Jul 20, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The event will be held from 26thto 28thMarch. Present among others: Yunus, Frey, Meloto, Petrini, Raworth, Sachs, Sen, Shiva and Zamagni Registration is underway for the three days commissioned by Pope Francis for young economists, entrepreneursand change-makersfrom around the world. From 26th to 28th March, Assisi will host the international event The Economy of Francis: young people, a commitment, the future. The invitation to participate comes directly from the Holy Father and is addressed to young people up to the age of 35. You can submit your application by 30 September via the website www.francescoeconomy.org. The Economy of Francesco event will consist of workshops, artistic and plenary events with the best-known economists, experts in sustainable development and business people who are engaged today worldwide in a different economy and will reflect and work together with young people. Nobel laureates Muhammad Yunus and Amarthya Sen have already confirmed they will attend. Other participants include Bruno Frey, Tony Meloto, Carlo Petrini, Kate Raworth, Jeffrey Sachs,Vandana Shiva and Stefano Zamagni. It is not a traditional conference but an experience where theory and practice engage to build new ideas and new ways of working together. A programme where time slows down to leave room for reflection and silence, for stories and meetings, for art and spirituality, so that the thought and economic action of young people will emerge. The meeting is aimed at young people under 35 involved in research: students and scholars in Economics and other related disciplines (master’s students, doctoral research programmes, young researchers); and in business: entrepreneurs and managers. Participation is also open to change-makers andpromoters of activities at the service of the common good and of a just, sustainable and inclusive economy. The proposal is to make a commitment with the young people, beyond differences of beliefs and nationalities, to change the current economy and give a soul to that of tomorrow so that it is more just, sustainable and with active engagement by those who at present are excluded. 500 young people will be chosen from among all the candidates to attend apre-event scheduled for 24th and 25thMarch: it will be an opportunity for work and study that will continue during the days of the event (26-27-28) together with all the other participants.
(source: press release)
Jul 18, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The first European Mariapolis, sponsored by the Focolare Movement at Tonadico, in the Dolomites, has begun and runs through August 8. Within the historical and political context of a Europe divided and in conflict, this event aims to show that the dream of brotherhood among peoples is not some faraway utopia. The original intuition that Focolare’s founder, Chiara Lubich, had last century during the 1940s and 1950s has carried through to various fields of knowledge, and to the heart of relationships between individuals and peoples. We discussed it with Fabio Ciardi, who is responsible for the movement’s interdisciplinary study centre, the Abbà School. What is the link between Chiara Lubich’s mystical experiences in 1949 and 1950 during and after the first Mariapolises, and the birth of the Abbà School? “The Abbà School began in order to go deeper into what had happened during those years. Chiara had the opportunity to write her experience little by little as it happened, aware that within it was a teaching – values so profound and rich that they could nourish not just the movement but the Church as well. Later she felt the need to take up those pages yet again, so she began to call on people with a certain amount of culture to go more deeply into her experience and help the doctrine that was already within it flow.” Among the fields represented in the Abbà School are history and political science. Can the group’s reflections in these areas help us understand the reasons that the European Union was founded? “The experience that Chiara had in 1949 gave her a vision from on high of God’s designs for humanity and history. So you can find values there that are at the foundations of Europe. The Abbà School hopes to bring them to light and show how current they are. Today the Mariapolis helps us discover those designs and understand what God’s plan for our history is and who we are.” In the early days Chiara had an intuition that Europe was called to be united at its core. Igino Giordani, one of the movement’s co-founders, hoped for a “United States of Europe” that would present itself as a federal entity of peoples in the global context. Today, however, we are far off from that vision, and nationalism and populism run through Europe. How can we find that passion again and make it contagious? “It seems to me that the initial experience of 1949 has all the elements to expand our hearts; to grow that sense of fraternity, hospitality and sharing; and to promote a way forward together. At the beginning Chiara’s reflections were focused on Italy, and she spoke of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis as its patron saints. Yet soon her horizons expanded when people from other European countries and continents joined the movement. She saw the charism of unity resonate for all of them, and each found their deepest values there. She saw all of humanity moving towards unity. I think this could be a fundamental ideal that can be realised today as well. We need to reflect culturally in a way that combines God’s great plan for humanity with the current political, economic, and historical situation.” What message does the experience at the European Mariapolis send to the citizens of Europe? “The idea that European unity is not uniformity or an obligation, but it is a richness that comes from having great diversity – not only from the historical European peoples but the new ones who arrive as well. Europe is something we build; it has been in continual construction since its origins. It needs to know how to combine these two elements: promote fraternity, sharing, communion and unity; and at the same time, value the great cultural diversity and the particular history of each people. I think that the Mariapolis could be the new melting pot in which we learn to respect and love each other, and live together.” So the Mariapolis is a “lab” of unity for Europe. Someone might object that this is outlook is simply utopian… “Utopias are located in imaginary places where you dream up a reality that does not in fact exist. A Mariapolis, instead, is a different place that is not utopian but real. I think we need to put forward experiences like this one once again – meaningful, despite small, which show how the world could be if we truly lived the laws of fraternity, love and unity.”
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Jul 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Seventy years ago it was Chiara Lubich herself who defined as “Paradise ‘49” the mystical experience through which God conveyed to her and, through her, to the Movement during its early times, the full understanding of the charism of unity and of the Work that would be born of it. This experience has been studied for years by the “Abba School”, the cultural centre of the Focolare which is currently engaged in a study seminar on “Paradise ’49” together with other scholars. Jesús Moràn, co-President of the Focolare Movement, is also taking part and we asked him to explain its relevance and vision. https://vimeo.com/348249423 “What we in the Focolare Movement, and I think others too, know as ‘Paradise ’49’ is a mystical experience that was in some way unprecedented and unique, because God never repeats himself. It was new and unique in both form and content. It all started with a pact of unity between Chiara Lubich and Igino Giordani: a woman and a man; a girl to whom a charism had been given by God and a politician actively engaged in society; a virgin and a married man. That already says much. Furthermore, the context preceding the event must be kept in mind and is very important. The background to this experience was a very deep life of the Word – the human logos united to the divine logos; Jesus crucified and forsaken who unites heaven and earth and therefore fills every void; Eucharistic communion as a symbol of universal fraternity, of universal communion and fellowship. Those who study this experience tell us that everything started there; everything arose out of that context. It is understandable that, if that is how things were, what came of it was a wide-ranging ecclesial and social movement, with a methodology based on a 360° dialogue: dialogue within the Catholic Church, ecumenical dialogue, interreligious dialogue and dialogue with culture. It is a movement that, in turn, was able to initiate important social movements such as the Economy of Communion and the Movement for Politics and Policies for Unity and also important cultural realities such as the Città Nuova publishing house or the Sophia University Institute. What we are celebrating today is this particular event that occurred in a marvellous context where nature blends with culture, where the divine shines out in what is human and the human shines out in the divine and in social relationships. Certainly, in a world like this, which is so fragmented and marked by extreme polarization, I believe this experience is extremely relevant and can make a significant contribution to humanity’s journey today.”
Immagine: © Fabio Bertagnin – CSC Audiovisivi
Jul 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
From the special pact that Chiara Lubich and Igino Giordani made on 16th July 1949 emerged a new kind of mystical experience, one open to humanity and able to transform the history of communities and peoples. —- All these pages are worth nothing if the soul who reads them does not love, is not in God. They have value if it is God who reads them in that soul. Now what I want to leave to whoever will follow my Ideal is this certainty: all you need is the Holy Spirit (and faithfulness to the one who began it) to carry on the Work. … As an aid, then, I can leave what I have written – but it has value only if it is taken as “an aid.” Even Jesus, although he was God and had everything in himself, did not come to destroy and begin all over again, but to complete. In this way, whoever comes after me will be able to complete what I have done. I do not want to love those who follow on after me less than myself, and therefore I want them to have the Holy Spirit welling up in them just as God gave him to me. They will not have him directly; they will have him through an intermediary person but they will have him, living, from the living lips of the one who will convey him by living what he is teaching through me. Thus it is good to remove decisively any concern other than that of doing the divine will made manifest moment by moment, but without suggesting anything to God. (Chiara Lubich, Paradise ’49) What are “these pages” that Chiara Lubich was referring to? They are contained in a text known as Paradise ’49, written by Chiara 70 years ago, in the summer of 1949. They were written under the influence of a spiritual light that then continued for many more months. In the part quoted here, Chiara was addressing herself to those who, in our day, do not want merely to remember what happened then, but to graft ourselves on to the mystical experience that she and some members of the Focolare community had at its beginnings. The beautiful words, meaningful metaphors and breadth of concepts expressed in those pages can indulge a reader’s aesthetic sense, and help him or her to savour the religious atmosphere that was breathed at the time, but that is all. Only those who love are able to enter within the deep meaning of the mysticism of Paradise ’49. This meaning arises from the understanding of human reality and of all beings directly inspired by the contemplation of God and in God. The fruits of this experience are visible to all: the broad vision of the spirituality of communion, the doctrine arising from the charism of unity, the mission of the Focolare Movement and the actions and works that have sprung from its social engagement. It is not by chance that the path into this mystical experience was opened by a special spiritual pact that Chiara made with Igino Giordani. He was married and a father, a member of parliament and a well-known author. Mysticism is not usually within the reach of those who are immersed in daily challenges of family, work, unavoidable commitments and complex challenges. The fact that Paradise ‘49 opened up through the unity between Chiara and Igino means that Chiara Lubich’s spirituality is not reserved to, nor is it dedicated to those who live in some kind of special religious state. It is for all humanity and is called to sustain the march towards unity of all people, men and women, communities and groups, peoples and nations, in all circumstances and conditions. Today, Chiara asks us to continue her work.
Alberto Lo Presti
Jul 14, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, members of Chiara’s family, got together for the first time and spent a week together. Liridona is a Sunni Muslim from the North of Macedonia. She was asked to share her experience during an interreligious meeting for youth when Pope Francis recently visited her country. She spoke about her experience with other Christian and Muslim Focolare youth, and at the end she asked the Pope: “Am I dreaming too much?”(1) Liridona, who was at Castelgandolfo from 17 to 23 June, discovered that others shared her dream. She was there with a group of forty people who follow 5 different religions and come from 15 different countries. A team of people, responsible for interreligious dialogue at the Centre of the Focolare Movement, welcomed these members of Chiara’s family, and the first item on their programme was a visit to the chapel where Chiara Lubich is laid to rest. (2) There, Vinu Aram, the Indian leader of the Shanti Ashram Movement, sang a song through which she expressed the love of all of them, a love that binds them to the “source” that has changed their lives. 
And Dr. Amer, a Muslim, professor of comparative theology shared: “I come from Jordan, where the Jordan river flows and reminds me that our journey starts with the purification of the soul. Very often I wonder why radical extremism incites people to kill others and themselves. I ask God for the courage needed to give our life for what is Good, to be witnesses of this love among us and to all”. 
One fourth of the participants were younger than 35 years. Among them, there were Kyoko, a Buddhist from Japan; Nadjib and Rassim, Muslims from Algeria; Israa and Shahnaze, Shiite from USA and Vijay, a Hindu from Coimbatore. They lived days of “prophecy” while they delved deeply into the mystical experience of summer 1949. Shubhada Joshi, a Hindu, related: “The first time that I heard someone speak of “Jesus Forsaken” I was going through great suffering and I could not manage to understand. I started to look at him as the other side of the coin of love. Now I understand my tradition in a better way”. On the fourth day, another hundred people joined the first group who were participating in this “workshop”. These were mainly Christians involved in the Movement’s journey of fraternity The message delivered by Msgr. Ayuso Guixot, the new President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue expressed a sign of profound “harmony” with Pope Francis’ work. When Rita Moussallem and Roberto Catalano spoke about this dialogue in the teachings of the last Popes, they highlighted the openness and prophetic spirit of Vatican II.
Although each participant arrived for this meeting with a bagful of one’s own experiences, they discovered that sharing with brothers and sisters of various faiths is “the best school”; they experienced a “presence of God”. They realized that this goes beyond dialogue and that they can look ahead together. Hence the need of training and change.
After all, Pope Francis told Liridona that we need to “become expert carvers of our own dreams (….) with concentration and effort, and especially with a great desire to see how that stone, which no one thought was worth anything, can become a work of art” .(3)
Gianna Sibelli
(1) www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-05/pope-francis-travels-north-macedonia–meeting-young-people.html (2) In the chapel, at the Focolare Movement Centre at Rocca di Papa, one finds Chiara Lubich’s tomb and those of the two co-founders of the Work of Mary: Igino Giordani and Fr. Pasquale Foresi (3) www.vatican.va, apostolic journey in North Macedonia, Discorso di Papa Francesco all’incontro ecumenico e interreligioso con i giovani, Skopje, 7 maggio 2019.
Jul 12, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Seventy young people gathered in the U.S. for one of the international events that is part of United World Week 2019. It was the first of the six “Pathways for a United World” launched by the Focolare’s young people, focused on work and economy, and also opened up the next one on peace, law and justice. 
They are leaves from the same tree, threads of the same fabric. They are different, yet linked to the same dream of fraternity, and united by the same commitment to achieve it. And the more than 70 young people from the U.S. Canada, Mexico, Paraguay, Italy, Brazil, Lebanon and the Czech Republic certainly experienced it when they came together June 9–16 just north of New York City at Mariapolis Luminosa, the Focolare’s international centre for North America. We asked Chris Piazza, a young American who was there, to tell us about this event, which was just one of those scheduled internationally for United World Week 2019. What was the main theme of the meeting? Last year, at Genfest 2018 in Manila, Philippines, the Youth for a United World (Y4UW) launched “Pathways for a United World”, which are six themes to go deeper into and live over six years. The first, which includes the topics of economy, work and communion, was at the core of the event at Mariapolis Luminosa. How did you take it on and develop it? We had a number of workshops to go deeper into topics such as finance, leadership and resource poverty, and in small groups we reflected on how to live and spread a culture that is based on giving and sharing. We also participated in an exercise on consumer awareness called “Into the Label.” The final day was titled “Live to give until no one is in need,” which sums up what we lived. 
Also present were a number of entrepreneurs from the Economy of Communion, a new economic model that promotes fraternity in all aspects of business. Two of them, from competing firms, spoke about how they tried to not compromise their personal relationship despite the cutthroat competition at work. “Hands 4 Humanity” was another of the week’s events – visiting a nursing home. Then there were conservation activities promoting recycling, and an art exhibit called “Fabric of fraternity,” which was a journey towards how to form a symbolic fabric that leads to universal brotherhood. One day you were in New York City – what did you do? That day was dedicated to the climate crisis. Together with Lorna Gold, author of the book Climate Generation, and other environmental activists, we discussed how to fight climate injustice. Each person wrote their related hopes or contributions on a leaf and placed it on a design of a huge tree trunk. Our commitments became a great tree – an individual and collective call to action. “This event helped me realise that a united world is not only possible, but it’s already becoming a reality!” said Mary Bisada of Toronto, Canada. “Even though this pathway may be ending, our mission does not end here.” Treasuring the commitments taken and putting them into practice, we have now opened up, with all the young people of the Focolare, the second “Pathway for a United World,” which focuses on peace, human rights, justice and a lawful culture.
Stefania Tanesini
Jul 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Maria Voce and Jesús Morán were in Birmingham (UK) from 29 June to 4 July to take part in the meeting of the General Secretaries of the European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE). They also met with the Focolare community and visited one of the Sikh centres in the city. Known for centuries as the “city of a thousand trades” and “workshop of the world”, Birmingham is the second most populated city in the United Kingdom. It currently has a youthful appearance with 25% of its inhabitants under 25 and is markedly multicultural – largely due to the movement in and out of Birmingham of workers from all over the country and the world who have walked and built its streets and the country’s economy since the Industrial Revolution. It was here that the meeting of the General Secretaries of the European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) took place from 1 to 4 July on the contribution of Christianity to a re-awakening of consciousness that can truly be described as European. Maria Voce was invited to give her testimony on the importance of charisms within the Church, with a report entitled “Petrine profile and Marian profile: together for a new Pentecost”. Despite it being a lightning visit, the president of the Focolare Movement still managed to get to know the small community of the Movement that also reflects the variety of nationalities and cultures present in the city. There were people from Burundi, Uganda, India, Malaysia and the Philippines alongside those born in Great Britain. They were Sikhs, Muslims, Christians from the Catholic and Anglican Churches as well as those of non-religious convictions. 
In a simple and spontaneous dialogue, Maria Voce showed them a way: “Universal fraternity is our goal and each one of us has to follow our own path; and we do so when we love because love makes us see what others need. This city of a thousand trades can become the city of a thousand faces, a thousand flavours and a thousand encounters with the many people you meet. I hope everyone you meet will really be touched by the love you have for everyone.” 
She also visited the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewa Jatha Gurdwara, the centre for one of the city’s Sikh communities. The President, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, warmly welcomed her together with a group of children from two secondary schools in the city, the Sikh Nishkam High School and Catholic Saint Paul’s School. The Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, and a representative of the Anglican Bishop David Urquhart, were also present. For years the two communities – the Sikh and the Focolare – have been working side by side for peace, to bear witness to the fact that there is much more that unites us than divides us. The visit to Birmingham of the international group Gen Verde last November was an example of this. Many young people of different faiths participated in the workshops organized by the band and performed in the final show. During the visit to the Gurdwara, Maria Voce was given the “Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation“, signed by several leaders and international religious organizations which seeks to “foster healing, harmony, justice and sustainable peace in our world”, as the preamble itself states. “Division is not God’s plan; God’s plan is unity and we believe in this” – Maria Voce concluded – “what binds us are not only the efforts of collaboration for the common good. We are bound by a gift from God: the dream of unity for the whole human family”. She then stressed the centrality of forgiveness in a way of life and relationships centred on dialogue and mutual acceptance: “Only by taking these small steps will we be able to overcome even the conflicts that every day try to divide us. Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh then gave the President of the Focolare a passage from the Sacred Sikh Scriptures that speaks of the love and union between God and creation, with the wish to continue to walk together for peace and harmony amongst all people. On July 2, the President of the Focolare gave her speech at the meeting of the General Secretaries of the European Bishops’ Conferences; Jesús Moran, Co-President, was also present and participated in one of the dialogue sessions. Maria Voce stressed the “co-essentiality between hierarchical and charismatic gifts in the Church”. For the President of the Focolare, the different realities “arising from a charism need to live strongly grafted onto the whole ecclesial structure of which they are a part and cultivate a fruitful exchange with all the other realities.” “It is not a question of everyone doing the same thing together, staying ‘at home’, but of setting out in the most varied directions, driven by a shared eagerness to reach the ends of the earth”. Finally, she indicated the Marian profile of the Church as a dimension that “teaches how to give life to pastoral care which is authentically generative.
Stefania Tanesini
Jul 9, 2019 | Non categorizzato
For the first time the historical meeting of the Focolare is organized on a continental level and Europe will be the forerunner. From 14 July to August 11, 3,000 people are expected in the Italian Dolomites. For the first time in 70 years, the Focolare organize their historical gathering, the “Mariapolis” (city of Mary), for an entire continent, Europe. The European Mariapolis with the title and motto “Aim high” will take place from July 14 to August 11, 2019 in Fiera di Primiero, in the Italian Dolomites, just where this experience began 70 years ago, inspired by the charism of unity. According to organisers, the event is arousing much interest. In just a few weeks, early bookings have far exceeded available accom modation. As of 31 January, the closing date for pre-registration, almost 3,000 people had registered. There will be about 600 people per week. The European Mariapolis comes against the background of an increasingly fragmented continent of Europe. “Our dream is to have an event which underlines the beauty of the European continent in all its diversity, where the richness of every culture emerges in the splendid tapestry that is Europe,” said Peter Forst from Focolare. “We believe that through sharing our stories, our cultures and our histories – getting to know each other – we can lay the foundation for a more united Europe.” A Mariapolis is a gathering where the citizens of a temporary ‘town’ try to build a new type of human society based on the relationships in a family – fraternity and mutual respect, as they holiday together. Participants will be accommodated in hotels, a religious institute, houses and self-catering apartments in the Fiera di Primiero region. A team made up of people from a number of European countries has prepared the programme for the four week-long Mariapolis events, which will include a variety of key inputs, moments of cultural exchange, workshops and round table discussions. “We hope that there will be something for everyone! And of course, it will also be a holiday – participants will have many opportunities for walking, hiking and other cultural events,” commented Ana Siewniak from the UK, a member of the group preparing the programme. She told CatholicIreland.net that one of the aims of the European Mariapolis was to have loads of “spaces in which to exchange the richness of our cultures and our experiences”, for example learning each other’s national songs or dances. In a recent interview, Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, described her own first experience of the last Mariapolis at Primiero 70 years ago in 1959. “I remember it well – we slept in school halls – all the mattresses on the floor. There was a chair between each bed and that was the extent of the furniture for the participants. There were no wardrobes, no mirrors for doing your hair. Yet none of this took from the experience of the life of the Mariapolis.” Although the Mariapolis was materially poor, she continued, it was “very rich in spiritual grace – the divine, which was built up and shone out among the people of the Mariapolis, involving all the participants”. Among the 12,000 people who passed through the final Mariapolis at Fiera di Primiero in 1959 were people from all walks of life, she explained, and from many countries. “Poor and rich people came” through a large communion of goods among everyone. “It was truly the coming together of a town rich in these relationships of mutual love. People were all equal in a love that gave everyone the same divine life and full joy.”
Susan Gately
Fonte: Catholicireland.net Per informazioni: mariapolieuropea.org
Jul 7, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The logic of Jesus and the Gospel is always to receive so as to give. Never accumulate for oneself. It is also an invitation to all of us to recognise what we have received: energy, talents, abilities, material goods and to use them for the good of others. The registration fee I am in charge of a hostel for students in a village in the Punjab. On the day for registering for the final exams two brothers came to tell me that they did not have the money to register. Unfortunately I did not have the means to help them. But I was not at peace thinking about these boys. Two days later having made a few savings, without their knowledge, I sent the respective applications for registration to the office of the superintendent. On that very same day I was offered a big farming job using my tractor. (M.A. – Pakistan) The extra change I don’t often check the change at the cash desk because I am always in a hurry. However one night I was already on my way home when I did a check. There was not much change left over but I thought the cashier might have problems if, at the end of the day, the figures did not tally. So I went back to return what was not mine. (Annalisa – Switzerland) All that I have I am elderly and live alone. I don’t manage to get to the end of the month with my small pension but God’s providence makes sure I don’t lack the essentials. One day I had to go for a check up at the hospital and I had only 2 euro in my pocket for the bus ticket. A poor man was begging and so I gave him the 2 euro. I am known around the area so maybe someone will give me a lift. After only a few steps I met someone I knew very well: without my saying anything he took out his wallet and offer me 50 euros. (Tonino – Italy) Picnic We went on a walk out of town with our four daughters. We played, ate lunch, sang songs all with great joy. Towards the evening we went home tired but happy. At the front door however we could not find the keys. Who had the keys? Who had locked the door? My wife and I began to argue when our second child said: ‘Why are you arguing? Didn’t Jesus tell us to love one another?’ At these words our attitudes changed . Immediately afterwards we found the keys in the picnic basket. (T.V. – Madagascar)
Edited by Chiara Favotti
Jul 4, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Emotions, sexuality and relationships are at the heart of this course for teens and families. This year it will extend to smaller children as well. We discuss it with Barbara and Paolo Rovea. Let’s be honest: building relationships that can really be called “true” has never been easy, especially not these days, when most of our relationships are filtered through technology beginning at the earliest ages. Children and teens learn much from their smartphone screens, while today’s parents are more or less left floundering and, with various levels of awareness, continually searching for the key to understand and educate their children about their emotions and sexuality. It is an immense challenge when faced alone, although it does become possible through the synergy of family, youth facilitators and professionals. The Up2Me Project (with the tagline “It depends on me”) began by reorganising the educational pact entirely. It started by offering teens, tweens and their families a personal, shared space that was also qualified to recognise and deal with emotions. This was in order to bring about positive relationships at home, school and in groups, and ultimately to offer tools to build purpose over a lifetime. Begun within the Focolare’s education environment, the project grew and is spreading to a number of countries. We talk to Barbara and Paolo Rovea, a physiotherapist and doctor couple in Italy who are on Up2Me’s expert panel and members of the New Families International Centre. 
Up2Me began in 2016 with two pilot courses in Italy and a few trials in various countries. Where did the idea come from? The project aims at holistic training, including emotions and sexuality. This is in order to shape the basic choices in life – which our children need to deal with and for which they are often not adequately prepared for with the right tools. Many parents even do not feel sufficiently prepared for the role of educator, and the information teens get at school or through the media in many cases does not shape them to place value on people, nor educate them to take responsibility for their choices and behaviours. At the core of the project is the idea to contribute to create a “person-relationship”. What’s that about? To relate to others is the essence of being human, an ontological foundation to promote complete development, which sees children and teens, according to their age, play a lead role in making their decisions, aware and able to experience positive relationships, all for the harmonious development of their physical, emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, historical and spiritual sides. In order to become an Up2Me tutor and start teaching a course, you need to attend an international school. When are the next ones scheduled? For 2019 there are three new courses planned. One will be launched in the Philippines and is especially for Asia and Australia. Another in Argentina will be for participants from the Americas. Finally, one in Prague is aimed at Europe. There will also be a specific course in Prague for facilitators of the Up2Me course for young children. Up2Me has three courses for tweens and teens (ages 9-11, 12-14, 15-17) and one for children. What methodology is being used? Employing inductive reasoning, under the guide of a tutor, this method helps young people develop their capacity to gain a conscience autonomously. Through video, role playing and group activities, teens and tweens discover fundamental principles so they can shape their personal consciences. Up2Me also offers their parents, if they wish, a parallel course with educational topics that correlate to those taken on by the teens. Alongside a married couple, they exchange experiences of life and find that education is actually “mission possible”. Finally, in the course for younger children, their parents are actively involved alongside facilitators and experts. Together with their children, through games, they open up to specific subjects. All of this is to build up people who are able to recognise emotions within themselves and others and learn how to manage them, as well as take on subjects such our bodies, living and even dying.
Stefania Tanesini
Download the Up2Me flyer in English here.
Jul 3, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare president, Maria Voce, briefly talks about her participation in the annual meeting of the General Secretaries of the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) being held in Birmingham (United Kingdom) from 1st to 4th July. The focus of the meeting is the relationship between the institution and charismatic realities in the Church in Europe today. “In these few days I took part in the meeting of the General Secretaries of the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, with Jesús Moran. I was invited because they had chosen as their theme the presence of both charism and institution in the Churches of Europe[1] and their co-essentiality, their combination. They chose to base their four-day meeting on these two main themes; one entrusted to a bishop for the institutional aspect and one entrusted to me for the charismatic aspect. I must say that they welcomed me with great affection and great esteem, and when I spoke they listened with exceptional attention and I felt there was a deep understanding of what I was saying. Afterwards they continued discussing this subject for an hour, as a group, and then they wanted to meet with us again to look more in depth, and with great attention, at some aspects of the topic. I found they all have very high esteem for the Movement and a new regard for all the movements and their contribution to the European Churches. They will now continue working on this same subject, but they really thanked us because they felt that our presence truly represented this charismatic reality. Moreover, when we talked about the integration of the Marian profile and the Petrine profile in the Church, they were particularly grateful that it was presented by someone from a movement such as the Focolare Movement, by its president and especially by a woman. They were very grateful for this presence and, in fact, I was the only woman among forty priests, including six bishops, who represented the various Bishops’ Conferences of Europe. At the beginning there was a warm welcome by the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster and the Archbishop of Birmingham. They too showed a very great appreciation and a great love for the movement and for me personally. So I really thank all those who have accompanied me”. By the editorial staff [1] Note: the term ‘Churches’ here refers to the Roman Catholic Church in the territories covered by the Bishops’ Conferences.
Jul 2, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Interview with Guilherme Baboni, Focolare representative at the recent International Youth Forum of the Catholic Church “We want to bring the light of the Gospel to all, to be witnesses of Jesus’ love, going beyond our own environments to reach those furthest away”. With these words, Guilherme Baboni, a 26-year-old from Brazil, describes his enthusiasm for the 11th International Youth Forum hosted by the Catholic Church’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, 19-22 June in Ciampino, near Rome. Effectively a continuation of last October’s Synod of Bishops on the Youth in the Church, it was a meeting of 250 18-to-29 year olds, representing 109 different countries and 37 ecclesial communities and movements. They focused on the Pope’s recent “Apostolic Exhortation” for all youth, the document Christus Vivit. Guilherme, representing the Focolare at the forum, reflected, “The image of the Church is often projected as an old, dying institution, out of touch with real life. However, at the Forum we experienced a living, creative, universal Church, formed of many youth people who’ve encountered Jesus in their lives. Moved by the Holy Spirit, we young people want to bring the light of the Gospel to others, whatever their age. We see a Church with many different forces within it, working to achieve this aim”.
In the center Guilherme Baboni
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Jun 30, 2019 | Non categorizzato
01/07/2019 Broken families, divorced couples, people in subsequent relationships, or living together – what’s the best attitude to have towards these situations? New Families is committed to married couples and families in crisis. “Family is an exchange of love – sharing, support, reciprocity. It’s caring for children and a privileged place to grow, even for parents. Family means continually starting over.” That’s how Massimo and Lucia Massimino describe it. They’re in their forties, have been married for 17 years and have three children. They live in Collegno, near Turin, and through Focolare are involved in the New Families Movement, which offers a space for couples to upskill and dialogue. They answered some of our questions. 
Today people seem to only talk about the sacrifices that building a family takes. What’s missing is anything said about the beauty of the family. Let’s start with that. Lucia: The beauty of the family is the feeling that you are taking care of someone and that someone is caring for you. It is that someone is thinking of you, fond of you, and that you are part of a community. Massimo: It is also sharing joys and sorrows, even with our children, so that they can see beyond the words you say. It is great when your life moves forward in your children. Today many families are in crisis, torn or divided. In New Families you take in the pain of many couples – which way forward do you suggest? Lucia: Certain crises call for us to support them through difficult moments. Couples ask to be able to confide in us – as friends who can understand them because they have gone through something similar. These are only some of life’s transitions. When faced with more serious crises, however, we try to walk with the couples towards choices that include professional help, motivated by important values. Massimo: As a movement we emphasise training a lot. Lucia and I work with young couples and organise meetings where we invite educators and psychologists, with the goal of providing solutions, such as how to manage conflict. These are meetings that are open to all couples, whether engaged, married, living together or separated. The training is inspired by Chiara Lubich’s spirituality of unity, which was born in the womb of the Catholic Church, but it is open to people of other faiths or those who have no ties to religion. 
Broken families, divorced couples, those in a subsequent relationship, or living together. What’s the best attitude to have towards these situations? Lucia: In the Focolare Movement we have them truly at heart. New Families tries to get to know them, investing in personal relationships. This is the only thing that can really help, and it allows us to understand the reasons for the breakup and the pain. The days we have dedicated to families are privileged spaces where there is an atmosphere so that advice can be given and there can be the opportunity to start again after a relationship breakdown. When you talk about family you talk about love. Do you always end up referring to God in your reflections? Massimo: We feel that marriage brings the presence of God in the family, and because of this presence the family has love circulating through it. As Chiara Lubich says, it recalls the love between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We feel that this presence sustains us, even through moments you wouldn’t want to go through. It is an experience that cannot be taught; you just have to do it, and we openly say this to couples who are not married or believe. Many ask themselves, “Can love end?” Is there a recipe so that “forever” can truly last forever? Lucia and Massimo: Falling in love does indeed end, but the key is to begin again, and to know how to forgive. What nourishes a couple is being able to share the path that marriage brings with other couples, sharing important values, and common projects. It is also important to remember to be a husband and wife in love, not just “Mum” and “Dad”.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Jun 28, 2019 | Non categorizzato
29/06/2019 Sixty people from different Churches came together to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Switzerland. A journey through history and remembrance, through knowledge and the dialogue of life to understand the roots of the Reformed Church and the challenges it faces today. “This weekend I experienced how a ‘life of fullness’ really is possible in the Reformed Church and the Catholic Church through Jesus present in the midst of those who love one another. I want to contribute in a completely new and more conscious way to building bridges between the two confessions. This is how one of the participants summed up the three days dedicated to “Reformation Zurich” promoted by the Focolare Movement in the Swiss city to understand what caused the Reformation in this city. Five hundred years ago in January, Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531), who at that time was still a Catholic priest, started preaching in the pulpit of the Grossmünster interpreting the Gospel of Matthew. This is what many consider to be the starting point of the Reformation in Zurich. The aim of these three days was to bring people of different denominations together and introduce them to the history and particular richness of the Reformed Church. To love “one’s neighbour’s Church as one’s own” (Chiara Lubich), you first need to get to know it. Sixty people came to the weekend from Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovakia and various parts of Switzerland. The simplicity of the Reformed Church in Baar, all centred on the Bible, the baptismal font and the pulpit formed the setting for the first of the weekend’s events. Dialogue with the local pastor enabled the participants to have a deeper understanding of reformed spirituality. He did not hide the difficulties that his Church was experiencing but he shared his passion for seeking guidance and support from the Word of God alone, not from an institution. Successive events took place in Zurich. At the Theological Seminary, Dr. Gergely Csukás, Senior Assistant at the Institute of Swiss Reformation History, described the social, political, and religious situation in Zurich during the Middle Ages, highlighting Zwingli’s aspirations as a reformer, and emphasizing its relevance. “Reformed Christians are closer to me than ever before”, said one of the pariticipants. “Through the history and everything that has been communicated to us, the beauty, and also the suffering caused by what happened, have made a deep impression on me. It is about the life of Christians together. I want to start again and go ahead”. Another said: “Never before have I received such a clear explanation and understanding of Zwingli’s aspirations which are still relevant today. I have learned to appreciate him, his first companions and the reformers who offered their lives for the Gospel. Despite the unfavourable weather forecast, the participants still managed to walk through the places where Zurich’s Reformer worked – from the Grossmünster to the Wasserkirche, from the Lindenhof to the plaque marking the place where the first Anabaptists were drowned in the Limmat River. Pastor Peter Dettwiler spoke specifically about the work of reconciliation with the Anabaptists and the Amish in the United States, while Pasteur Catherine McMillan presented a picture of the Reformed Church in the world today. At the end of the visit, prayers were offered up in the crypt of the Grossmünster. “When I walked into the stark church in Baar on that first evening I was shocked” – said one of the participants – “That space did not seem to radiate anything solemn or sacred to me. Then, in the dark crypt of Grossmünster where we had gathered for prayer as sisters and brothers in Christ, it was as if an interior light suddenly illuminated the grey, secular walls. I felt deep joy and reverence.” On the last day, writings from St. Nicholas of Flue, patron saint of Switzerland, and Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare, were read out which formed the spiritual basis for the celebration of Holy Communion. “Being the one body of Christ in diversity” – as one of those present commented – “showed us what the visible unity of the Church looks like. It was an encounter with Christ! I hope that with life and theological dialogue coexisting we will continue to grow closer to one another”.
Stefania Tanesini
Jun 26, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare Movement has released the new version of its “Guidelines on the promotion of the well-being and protection of minors and vulnerable persons”. The updated text, which has just come into force, can be downloaded from our website. The Focolare Movement has updated its “Guidelines on the promotion of the well-being and protection of minors and vulnerable persons” in the wake of Pope Francis’ “Motu Proprio” on the protection of minors, published on May 7, 2019. A number of new policies have been introduced in the text, which also incorporates principles declared by the International Law and provides the policy guidelines for the Permanent Central Commission for the Promotion of the well-being and protection of minors (Co.Be.Tu.), the Supervisory Body and local members entrusted with this responsability.
Dr. Orazio Moscatello
Claudia Di Lorenzi
To read the new Guidelines click here (See also Child protection: training, prevention and zero tolerance)
Jun 26, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Condolences to the family of Mayor Emanuele Crestini and to all the residents of Rocca di Papa (Rome, Italy) from the International Center of the Focolare, on behalf of the whole Movement. “Mayor, friend, hero”. This is how the municipal webpage of Rocca di Papa, near Rome, described the mayor, Emanuele Crestini, who died on 10th June in a fire caused by a gas explosion during maintenance work on the mains. The international center of the Focolare Movement is located in Rocca di Papa, and the Focolare has enjoyed a warm relationship with their local Mayor, and with all the councillors in the Castelli Romani region. Local councillor Vincenzo Eleuteri also lost his life in the fire. The two men were the last to leave the burning building after checking no-one was trapped inside. This act of exceptional courage and selflessness towards colleagues with whom Mayor Crestini had been working that day characterises an official who was prepared to defend “his” people with extreme dedication, not even sparing his own life.
On the right of Maria Voce, the mayor Emanuele Crestini
Patrizia Mazzola
Jun 24, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A report on a journey with Egilde Verì who came back to Syria after 14 years and after a terrible conflict. We travel to Damascus with her to meet and hear from the Focolare community there. https://vimeo.com/343238285
Jun 22, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A strong appeal for a Europe that is open, inclusive and dialogic launched by the president and co-president of the Focolare Movement at Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019. Let the “city of the Sassi” be a living model for a more harmonious, just and fraternal coexistence – this was the challenge launched by Maria Voce and Jesús Morán during a conference held at Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, this Saturday June 22, 2019. This conference entitled “Living time and space: the Culture of Unity at the service of the City” was organized by the Focolare community and the Elicriso di Matera Association. In their strong message, the president and co-president of the Focolare Movement invited the old continent of Europe to rediscover its mission: show the world that diversities can coexist without differences being suppressed and identities violated. 
About 550 people participated in this conference, amongst them Antonio Giuseppe Caiazzo, the Archbishop of Matera-Irsina, and Giovanni Oliva, Secretary General of the Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation. Maria Voce, who spoke about the “culture of unity” promoted worldwide by the Focolare community through the concrete aspects of city life, posed the question: how can we live “a culture of dialogue, hospitality, fraternity” today in the fields of economy and work, interculturality, social ethics, health and environment, art, human formation or modern means of communication? The president gave an answer to this question by quoting examples of cities where – even through the commitment of Focolare members – citizens discover their city’s “vocation” through generous love towards neighbour and community, through being “active and co-responsible citizens” and through living “together the art of participation”. Sulcis Iglesiente in Sardinia was one of the examples quoted. The Focolare community and other pacifist movements in this city set up a committee to work together for the reconversion of a company that produces weapons. Another example quoted was Poland. The public administrator in the Council of Upper Silesia speaks of a Poland that is neither closed nor sovereign and of cities where the collaboration between religious communities and non-governmental organizations helps Ukrainian immigrants to integrate. But increase in citizens’ participation is not enough to rebuild the 21st century cities, concluded the Focolari president. The politicians’ specific contribution is essential; they are called to practice “the love of all loves”, an expression used by Chiara Lubich to define political commitment. In other words, politicians are the first ones called to provide the means for individuals and groups to be fulfilled and to create spaces where their resources and initiatives can be gathered into the unity of a common design, just like the colours that compose the rainbow. Interviewed by RAI journalist Gianni Bianco, Jesús Morán explained in depth all about his commitment towards fraternal coexistence in our cities, particularly in Europe. The co-president of the Focolari declared his firm belief that Europe is called to be “a model for all the world unification projects”. Morán affirmed that to fulfil such a vocation, Europe needs to go back to its Christian roots, to a Christianity whose great prophecy is “universal brotherhood”. He continued to explain that universal brotherhood motivates “processes, that have their own roots and identities but are inclusive and open to dialogue, and so one discovers that people of diverse status, religion or ideology are able to participate in them”. The president and co-president of the Focolare Movement expressed their great aspirations for Matera: “The capital city of a culture of unity”, “a new city” that may able to contribute towards “recomposing in unity the project for our Europe and for the human family”.
Joachim Schwind
Jun 19, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Following Jesus’ way of life means welcoming and sharing the experiences of all the people we meet in our families, at work, when we study and when we relax: we never lose sight of the goal we hold dear – universal fraternity. The Happiness Newsagent When my sister died, I inherited the newsagents that she had been running. It wasn’t my dream to become a shop keeper but I saw it as an opportunity to love because sometimes the people who come to the newsagents want to talk about their lives. The shop became a centre for community and friendship. I found space for a table and chairs and, when the weather is good, some people sit down to read and chat too. Someone suggested that I change the sign that says “Newspapers” to “Happiness Newsagent”. (M.R. – Italy) The Child Grandmother Due to illness, my mother has become a child again: she doesn’t speak and she doesn’t seem to understand anything. Until quite recently, we felt we were in a desperate situation and didn’t know what to do. Relatives and friends advised us to move her to a good care home. We spoke to our two sons to try to find a solution and we decided to take it in turns to stay with her in the house. My husband and I were worried about involving the children in this difficult situation because we felt it could be too much for them. However, as the days went by, the boys became more and more maternal towards their grandmother and saw her as someone who deserved respect and who had something sacred within that only love could penetrate. The relationship with her has become like waves that ebb and flow in a sea of love. (Y.O. – Japan) To Give One night, my brother was really ill and needed to go to hospital. We are poor so I had to run and ask if I could borrow some money from our neighbours. Then, my mother and I began to carry my brother to the hospital but before we had gone very far, we met a man who was begging. I was about to give him some money but my mother stopped me and said, “We will need that!” I said, “If we give then God will help us” and that is exactly what happened. At the hospital entrance, we met a doctor who knows us and, thanks to him, my brother received treatment totally free. My mother could not believe it. (M. – Egypt) The Example Our youngest daughter, Patty, had gone to Canada with her friend to improve their English. Shortly before the end of her stay, she telephoned and what she said hit me like a cold shower: she was expecting a baby. The father of the child loved her but she was not sure about marrying him. I didn’t know what to say but asked if she was going to come home. She agreed but felt embarrassed at the prospect of returning to a small village where our family is greatly respected. During the time we waited for her arrival, we began to accept what was happening and prepared to meet her without making judgements and to welcome her with an open heart just as she needed. When the baby was born, she was a ray of sunshine for everyone. Later, when the same thing happened to another family in the village, the parents confided in us saying, “Your example has encouraged us to do the same with our daughter as you have done with yours.” (M.J.S. – Switzerland) The day that began badly I had left the house feeling very agitated and, on the way to school, I thought the day would be a disaster. I thought of one of the people in my class who I don’t like and was sure that she would make the situation worse. However, when I got to the lesson, I really made an effort to be polite to her and she responded in a pleasant and welcoming way. The whole day seemed different. It’s really true that a tiny effort on our part to “go out of ourselves” can make a big difference. (M.S. – Hungary)
edited by Chiara Favotti
Jun 17, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The May-June 2019 issue of the New Humanity magazine is entirely dedicated to the mystical experience that Chiara Lubich had in the summer of 1949: this is now known as “Paradise 49”. We asked Father Fabio Ciardi, head of the interdisciplinary study centre, the “Abba School” and member of the steering committee for the publication of Chiara Lubich’s writings to explain the reasons for this decision. Father Fabio, in this issue of the magazine, there is a previously unpublished text by Chiara Lubich from 1969 that refers to the period of spiritual contemplation lived twenty years earlier and there are also articles by protagonists and witnesses from this time. Why did you decide to write about this now? Seventy years have gone by since the summer of 1949 and it deserves to be remembered by our magazine. We have given space to Igino Giordani, Pasquale Foresi, Klaus Hemmerle, Marisa Cerini, Giuseppe Maria Zanghí and Jesús Castellano because they were the people who worked most closely with Chiara, reading and studying her writings from that period. They were part of that circle of scholars, the “Abba School”, that Chiara wanted around her precisely to help her to bring out the doctrine inherent in the experience of 1949. Their academic contribution is very clear in the articles that we include in the magazine, many of which are being published for the first time. At the same time their personal experience with Chiara also comes to light: they have been profoundly transformed by this. In this sense they are truly witnesses and protagonists of Paradise 1949. We have chosen them also because they have finished their earthly “holy journey” and we believe they are in that Paradise which is the focus of study for many people. For a long time there was a great deal of confidentiality regarding the period called Paradise ’49 and only recently did we begin to publish texts related to that time. Why? Because Chiara had the right to her own intimacy. It was a very profound and personal experience of God, even if from the beginning it was shared with those who lived with her. How many mystics have their writings made public before their death? It took 500 years to know the diary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. There was also the danger that Paradise ’49 would be misinterpreted. Like any mystical text it needs to be introduced and, more importantly, the experience has to be shared by recreating the same conditions that gave rise to the event: otherwise it could remain just eloquent words. At that time, there was also a certain diffidence towards such a new Movement that included men, women, clergy, members of religious communities……. especially since it was led by a woman. That period of vision and understanding was very important for Chiara Lubich and for the development of the Focolare Movement which had only just begun at that time. Can you tell us more about this? And what is the significance of these texts today? The fact that those writings were not published in full did not prevent the experience they expressed being shared with others enabling them to live it too. Chiara Lubich has always been inspired by these writings in her teaching, sometimes citing them explicitly, even without indicating their origin. The entire Focolare Movement has been constantly nourished by the light that has sprung from that experience, indeed it has been shaped by it. We already have Paradise ’49 within us, more than we can imagine. Those texts mark the beginning of the entire Work of Mary – with its many expressions of life and its social and cultural initiatives. They are also a prophecy that still demands to be fulfilled in that they offer a vision of God’s plan for humanity and they point the way to his incarnation. During a time of bewilderment and uncertainty like the one we are currently experiencing, Paradise’49 can help us rediscover the profound meaning of our life, of the life of the Church, of society, of the whole cosmos, and direct us towards its fulfilment.
by Anna Lisa Innocenti
Jun 14, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Sponsored by a group of Focolare Volunteers, a centre in Douala takes in girls who have been exploited, assaulted or abused, offering training courses that are both holistic and professional. “We looked around us, and, feeling pained and powerless at the dramatic situations that some teens go through in parts of our city, we asked ourselves what we could do.” This is how Albine Essene, from Douala, Cameroon, describes the spark of inspiration that brought her and a group of Focolare Volunteers to commit to caring for girls who have been victims of exploitation, assault and abuse. In 1998 they started the HUPJEFI social centre (Halte Utile Pour Jeunes Filles) in Douala. “Many are just teens,” she continues, “who each night are on the street, especially in front of hotels and restaurants, forced to prostitute themselves to get money to survive. Many are minors, so we’re talking about real-life abuse.” How did you begin? “One evening, one of us stopped with her husband to meet one of these girls and welcomed her into their home. They then contacted her parents so she could go back to her family. “This episode raised many questions in our hearts: How could we continue to help her? How could we help other girls? “What we needed was a centre to take them in and offer them holistic training. We put what we had in common; someone offered their house, another offered to take care of the girls, someone else gave their time to get information from social workers, and others put in money. “Our first location was in the city centre, where prostitution is quite widespread. We began with two girls, but it wasn’t long before the house was full. We then created three other centres for girls aged 14–22. “Our work includes listening to them, looking after their intellectual and social development, and even organising sessions on emotional and sexual training through the EVA programme (‘Life and Love Education’) “We then set up a professional training centre, with courses on writing, business law, haircutting, sewing – all activities aimed at helping them integrate socially. We are the only centre in the country with holistic training for them.” Over the years, you have come to know many girls, over 300. Are there some stories that you particularly remember? “I have many in my heart. I remember one girl who confided to us that she had problems relating to her mother, which led her to decide to marry a boy she was with. We asked her if she loved him, since marriage is an important decision, not a way to escape problems. “She listened to us without saying anything. The day after, in a letter, she explained that she didn’t love the boy. A week later she came back to thank us. She had found the courage to break her engagement and had asked her mother to forgive her. Peace had returned between them. “‘I feel so free now,’ she said. “Then there was another who always came late, explaining that each day, before coming to the centre, she was with a boy without her family knowing. He had promised her many things. “We put her on her guard, explaining to her that some men take advantage of financially vulnerable girls and abuse them. We tried to understand if she had weighed the consequences of these kinds of meetings (injuries, sexually transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancy, etc.). If the boy had good intentions, he should introduce himself to her parents. “She listened to us. A short while later she ended her relationship and started to attend a professional training centre for sewing. “There were some difficulties there as well. Not having any means of transportation, she always had to walk there, until one day she met a man who offered to give her a lift. He then started to make appointments for her in bars or hotels. “Feeling in danger, she came back to our centre to ask for help. Today she is highly regarded by all the teachers at the school she attends and is preparing for final exams.”
Anna Lisa Innocenti
Jun 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The apostles together with all Jesus’ disciples are sent out as “witnesses”. Each Christian when they discover through Jesus what it means to be a child of God, discovers that they too are sent. Our vocation and our identity as children of God become a reality in the mission, in reaching out towards others as brothers and sisters. The wallet I work freelance so have no fixed salary. One day, just as I was about to go to my work studio without any money, I found a wallet on the ground. I picked it up and went to work. It contained a lot of money that I could really have used, especially because I had a child who is not well. For a moment I was tempted to keep it but then decided to look for its owner. To my surprise, I discovered it belonged to a neighbour of mine. As I stood in front of his door I was once again tempted to keep the wallet but then I rang the bell. He thanked me and I went to sleep at peace. The following day, completely unexpectedly, a considerable amount of money arrived at the studio! (N. – Egypt) Alzheimer’s At first, I thought it was all just symptoms of ageing but when we received the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s I started to become really anxious. The wonderful man I had married, the invidious father of our children, had become someone to be pitied. As the disease progressed, something was destroyed in me too: it was as if everything I did for my husband disappeared in the wind. Even the children, with their families and their problems, seemed distant to me. A priest advised me not to make comparisons with the past but to start life today. Something began to stir within me and my husband seemed to become more serene which the children felt when they came to visit us. After his death, the youngest hugged me and said: “You have always been our models, but especially in the last period”. (S.Q. – Portugal) Refugees Two hundred and thirty refugees arrived in our city, some with only the clothes they were wearing. Saddened by this situation, we decided to collaborate with Caritas, investing time and energy. Little by little we made friends with them and some of the mothers started to visit our homes. One day Pasa, a Muslim, saw how worried we were about our daughter who was seriously ill and promised to pray every day to Allah for her. It all reconfirmed to us how fraternity goes beyond cultural differences and religious faith. (U.R.J. – Germany) True sociality In our country, sole-traders, pedal-operated taxi drivers, teachers and government employees, because of their low salaries, are obliged to borrow money from moneylenders at very high interest rates. One day, a group of us decided to set up a credit union to fight this economic crisis. Our house became the official headquarters. We tried to live the Gospel as our only rule, listening carefully to every member to help solve their problems. We involved very wealthy people from the surrounding area, and thanks to their help the drivers of pedal-operated taxis have been able to buy their vehicles, many young people have been able to continue their studies and sick people have been able to pay for treatment. Some families have received help to build a house, others have managed to save money to go to work abroad. The wealthiest families became aware of everyone else’s needs and the poor overcame their sense of inferiority. The Gospel really teaches us how to live as a community. (M.T. – Philippines) On the bus A group of lads were sitting on the back seats of the bus playing their rap music very loudly and bellowing at the top of their voices. The other passengers would turn and look at them disapprovingly but it only made them shout even louder. At a certain point a middle-aged woman, smiling broadly, went up to the lads and invited them to sing more clearly so that the other passengers could hear the words of the songs better. After an embarrassing silence, a choir began. The boys began to smile, the words were understood and people began to applaud. The atmosphere in the bus had completely changed. (W.K. – England)
edited by Chiara Favotti
Jun 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
On Saturday 8 June, the President of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce, was invited to the international conference for leaders of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It was organised by CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service), the new service established by the Holy See through the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life that officially began its activity on the day of Pentecost. In her talk, Maria Voce spoke about how the Holy Spirit is seen in the Focolare Movement. Here are some extracts. Dear Friends, The Holy Spirit has always had a very important role in our history. Chiara Lubich, founder and first president of the Focolare Movement, repeatedly emphasised : “He was our Teacher”, “the key player in our history”, “the giver of our charism”. The Holy Spirit has always been the one who has illuminated, guided, supported and spread what we call “the Ideal”, that is, God, discovered and rediscovered through the spirituality of unity. An “Ideal” that, through an outpouring of light, launches us every day into an ever new divine adventure, one that is unique and wonderful. Certainly, at the beginning of our history – in the 1940s and 50s – this role of the Holy Spirit was not obvious. For a number of years, there was no mention of him and of his action regarding us, because he himself wanted it this way. As Chiara herself said at a Charismatic Renewal Convention in 2003: “He took great pains to step aside. In a certain sense, he disappeared, he annulled himself, thereby giving us a wonderful lesson we will never forget: He who is Love in person taught us what love is: living for others, giving prominence to others.” Nevertheless, from the earliest times, in the various points of the spirituality of unity that gradually emerged, we find the living imprint of the silent but active presence of the Spirit. It is enough to think of the experience during the Second World War in a “dark cellar” where, taking refuge from the bombs, Chiara opened the Gospel and had the impression that every page was illuminated with new light. It was the Holy Spirit that made her feel that the words of Jesus spoken two thousand years earlier were living Words, that can be lived always and are suited to every time and every situation. Love for the Word of God – which we still try to live month by month, to always re-evangelise ourselves – is one of the cornerstones of our spirituality. During the summer of 1949, which was characterized by a particular mystical experience Chiara had, we find the Holy Spirit as her silent companion on that journey, the one who gave her “infinitely beautiful realities” to live every day. It was in that circumstance that she understood how the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, is “all the breath of Jesus, all his Warmth, his Life”, “the air of Heaven”, the air “with which the whole of Heaven is suffused”. During that time, the Holy Spirit also revealed to her a whole new understanding of Mary , an understanding that would then be decisive for the development of the charism and for the very constitution of the Work of God, the Movement that was later given her name. On her spiritual journey, Chiara always urged her followers to be “assiduous students of this great Teacher”; to be attentive to his mysterious and delicate touches; not to let any of his inspirations fall by the wayside . It has therefore become common practice in our lives to “listen to that voice”, that is, the voice of the Spirit that dwells in us, a “voice” that speaks loudly, that inspires, that guides us, if we place ourselves in an attitude of love with regard to God and our neighbours; a “voice” that helps bring the revolution of Gospel love into the world. Among the numerous effects brought about by the Holy Spirit, one that we continually experience in our communities, in our little towns and in our meetings, whether large or small, is the “atmosphere” that is created as the fruit of a deep unity generated by the presence of the Risen Jesus amongst us (cf. Mt 18:20). But Jesus can be in our midst only if our mutual love is measured by his (“love one another as I have loved you”). That is why we need to look to him on the cross, he who even experienced being forsaken, and recognize and love him in all the sufferings we encounter, making ourselves nothing as he did. “Jesus Forsaken is nothingness, is the point and through the point (= Love reduced to the extreme, having given everything) passes only Simplicity, that is, God: Love. Only Love penetrates…” Thus we can let the Risen One live in us, and the Risen One brings his Spirit with him. We experience that when there is Jesus in our midst, the voice of the Holy Spirit is greatly enhanced, as if through a “loudspeaker” . Furthermore, we invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit in a special way through our characteristic prayer called the consenserint, in the light of Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” (Mt 18.19). Through this prayer we turn to the Father entrusting every need to him and how many graces, both varied and unimagined, we have obtained in this way! We also experience that the Holy Spirit enters the life and story of each person. He renews from within not only details but every human reality, to lead all humanity to the fulfilment of God’s plan for humankind and the universe. We experience that, by placing mutual love at the basis of relationships, as a reflection of Trinitarian love, the world can truly be transformed in every field, whether political, economic, cultural, artistic, educational, and so on . “I felt – Chiara told us – that I have been created as a gift for the person next to me and the person next to me has been created by God as a gift for me. As the Father in the Trinity is all for the Son and the Son is all for the Father. And this is why the relationship between us is the Holy Spirit, the same relationship that exists between the Persons of the Trinity” . We are convinced that all of us, both old and young, can be “bearers” of the Holy Spirit: to make the divine shine out not only in the Church, but also beyond it, in the world entrusted to us. We are called to embroider “patterns of light” wherever we pass, and to make our contribution to humanity around us, to find together the true meaning of our journey. I would like to conclude with a dream of Chiara, which she completely entrusted to the Holy Spirit. A dream that is mine too and I think is also yours: “I dream that the Holy Spirit will continue to enrich the Churches and strengthen the “seeds of the Word” beyond them, so that the world may continually receive new light, life, and works which He alone can is able to give. So that ever-greater numbers of men and women may set out towards straight paths, converge on their Creator, and put their hearts and souls at his disposal.”
Jun 9, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Sponsored by Focolare, a training plan extends with courses for parents and teachers The first courses began in Italy in 2014, although by the following year they had already spread worldwide. These are training courses for safeguarding minors that are sponsored by the Focolare Movement, aimed at educators and facilitators, as well as for parents and the wider community. Their objective is to build a network in order to increase the potential for prevention. “The more we are trained and aware, the more we are able to prevent situations of abuse,” says Viviana Colonnetti, a psychologist and psychotherapist who represents Focolare on the Commission for the Wellbeing and Safeguarding of Minors and one of the course coordinators. We posed her some questions. 
What vision of children inspires the movement’s training efforts? “It’s the vision that Chiara Lubich, Focolare’s founder, passed down to us: the child at the centre of our activity is another Jesus to welcome, a person to help with their wellbeing and development. It is a vision from the Gospel that leads us to recognise the dignity of everyone and promote the holistic development of a person.” What expertise is required for adults who look after minors? “They need to be emotionally balanced people who are able to listen and show empathy, manage groups of children and any eventual conflicts that arise, work as a team, and love to play and stay with the kids.” Are legal concepts regarding relating to minors also included? “There are internal regulatory norms already within the guidelines that are valid for the entire Focolare Movement, and other legal aspects that instead need to be adapted to each specific country. These rules are translated into best practices, that is, in positive and effective behaviours to be followed. We also indicate behaviours to avoid, since situations can become risky.” 
The course also covers the subject of relating to parents. What kind of relationships should be established? “We are aiming for an education pact with parents, as Pope Francis says, to work together as a team for the good of the child. This is why when we start, we propose meeting with the parents in order to structure the programme of the year together, so that the children can receive the same messages from youth leaders and facilitators that they receive at home. In addition, we propose that parents participate in some of the activities. We try to support children and teens with their difficulties, so it is important to dialogue and work together with parents.” Is the basic course the entire training? “For people in the movement who are charged with looking after children, these educative moments are part of continual training that is wider, nourished constantly with subjects that are relevant to working with minors. In addition, we have begun to work with parents and the community, after understanding that it is this fabric that guarantees the prevention of abuse. This is because, beyond the activities, it is the community that supports its members. And we have had quite positive results.” Among the movement’s representatives are also those from other agencies, associations and parishes. Have they been given a specific role? “The book Protecting childhood emerged from the experience of courses that are open to societies, associations, parishes, sports centres and organisations interested in the type of training that we offer, with our anthropological perspective. It was published last year in Argentina by Ciudad Nueva publishing. They proposed that we collect all the course material in one volume in order to reach those institutions who are not in direct contact with the Focolare. A workshop follows each presentation, which allows us to talk to professionals, educators and other people who we would not be able to reach in any other way. The book has recently come out in Brazil and will be published in Italy this coming autumn.”
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Jun 7, 2019 | Non categorizzato
To live being transferred into the Other: into our neighbour, for example, who, moment by moment, is close to us: living the other’s life in all its fullness. Just as in the Trinity – and this alone is Love – the Father lives in the Son and vice versa. And their mutual Love is the Holy Spirit. When we live transferred into our brother or sister (you must lose your life to find it again), as soon as we need to return into ourselves to respond to them, we find within ourselves a Third: the Holy Spirit, who has taken the place of our emptiness. Now, we can enter into the other in various ways: pushing ourselves in like someone big who wants to get in through a small door… and this is how someone acts who does not listen to the very end (someone who does not die totally in their brother or sister who is Paradise for the self, the Kingdom for the self) and wants to give answers gathered bit by bit in his or her own head that may be inspired but are not that breath of the Holy Spirit that will give life to the other. There are those who (passionately in love with Jesus Forsaken) more willingly die than live and who listen to their brother or sister to the very end, not worried about the reply, which will be given in the end by the Holy Spirit who summarizes in few words, or in one, all the medicine for that soul.
Chiara Lubich
Jun 5, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Learning to act as a “locomotive” within a group and when organising projects is vital at a time when a sense of authority is faltering, social media is dictating the law and politics seems to be in crisis everywhere. This has happened through initiatives of the Movement for Unity in Politics, NetOne, New Humanity, Sophia, Amu, New Families, Youth for Unity and others. At the beginning of the third millennium “leadership” has become a key word. Sometimes the term is misused and we no longer know what it means in practice. There are various reasons for this including the phenomenon of globalization and the digital revolution; another is the parallel crisis in traditional models of governance both on a small scale (parishes, associations, neighbourhoods …) and on a much larger scale (businesses, governments, administrations …). And this is happening almost everywhere. Many of the Focolare’s cultural bodies and agencies are interested in this topic, obviously looking at the problem from different perspectives and initiating processes that result in a synergy of disciplines. One example is the Co-governance Congress that took place last January in Castelgandolfo, organized by New Humanity, Unity in Politics and other cultural agencies in the Movement. Its content is still making an impact in various parts of the world. The congress did not propose a model so much as a style of governance based upon the principle of the charism of unity; in other words, based upon the prefix “co” that expresses a willingness not to give in to individualism and solipsism and to understand that, in part, “sovereignty” and “power” lie in those moments of striving together for the common good. The Sophia University Institute has also worked on the topic of leadership, approaching it from a range of different areas including human and social sciences, politics and economics. In particular, it is interested in leadership within the context of the “culture of unity”, drawing together many different perspectives. This is the logical consequence, if you like, of one of the slogans which were popular at the start of the gen movement in 1967-1968, in particular among some French people including Goffinet and Garoche. They published a brochure with the striking title: “Change yourself to change the world, change the world to change yourself.” At that time, there was already a need for leadership enlightened by the Gospel, rich in the contributions of the human and social sciences, attentive to the inspirations of the charism of unity. Some students and teachers from Sophia, New Humanity and the Movement for Unity, with the collaboration of other cultural agencies in the Movement, have set up a three-year project that focuses on Africa. The first stage of this project took place in Kenya in January 2019. More than 100 young people from seven countries in the region (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo) attended a meeting about African leadership. There were contributions from UNESCO, the Kenya National Commission, Caritas and Missio. “Together4Africa”, as it is called, proposes “African leadership” in a style free from overly western models and valuing all that local cultures have generated over the centuries regarding the management of power and authority. Another initiative worth noting is “Community Leadership in the Light of the Gospel”. It was promoted by NetOne and New Humanity Lebanon, again with Sophia and the Movement for Unity in the Middle East. In the region, there is need for formation to equip men and women, especially young people, to set up and lead groups, to solve local problems and to contribute to the common good of their city, their Church and their country. They also need to be able to relate to other local communities, both civil and religious. Houses need to be rebuilt but, above all, hearts and minds need to be restored and renewed. The project which has a base in Marsat offers useful training to bring life back to many young people and many ecclesial communities in Syria, Iraqi Kurdistan, Jordan and Lebanon. Obviously, different aspects of leadership are taken into account – everything from psychological, social, ecclesial, ecumenical, organisational, economic and charitable perspectives are taken into consideration. The first phase in Lebanon has been completed, the second in Aleppo, Syria is underway, while the Jordanian phase will take place between September and December 2019. The others will follow.
Michele Zanzucchi
Jun 3, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Events, that include experiences and projects, organized in various European localities. It was on 9 May 1950, when Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of the European Union and the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly, presented the declaration that announced the plan of economic cooperation aimed at forming a future federal union. Five years earlier, on 9 May 1945, Europe finally saw the end of the deadliest war that destroyed it and brought drastic change.This date was remembered throughout Europe, and various events were organized in many cities, where many communities questioned the future that citiżens of the old continent envisage today. Thousands of citizens, members of more than 300 different religious denominations participated in conferences, seminars, moments of prayer, promoted by “Together for Europe” in cities, from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, to Prague, in countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy and many others.”Together for Europe” is an international body that brings together Communities and Movements that pursue shared goals, each contributing through its own specific charism. Important events took place in Rome, Palermo and Castel Gandolfo. The group of Movements and Communities in Rome warmly welcomed the invitation to follow the six-week ‘Prayer Journey’ for Europe, from March 25 to May 9, 2019. The communities of five important Basilicas linked to the Patron Saints of Europe, participated in this prayerful event which ended with an ecumenical prayer vigil at the Roman Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles. The two events held on May 8 and May 11 focussed mainly on the economic and cultural perspective. The first event took place at ‘Spazio Europa’, which is run by the Office of the European Parliament in Italy and the Commission’s representation in Italy. In his keynote speech Prof. Leonardo Becchetti spoke about migration, finance, work, sovereignism and euroscepticism. While not sparing criticism about sovereignty principles that lead many European countries to unfruitful isolation, this economist offered new prospects that consider the “School of Civil Economy” as a new wave of proposals, an alternative to the current economic model. During the cultural evening held at Castel Gandolfo on May 11, representatives of “Together for Europe” communities were present. Prof. Alberto Lo Presti spoke about “Europe’s plan according to the Bishops of Rome”; Prof. Dimitrios Keramidas spoke on “Europe and the Patriarchate of Constantinople” and Pál Tóth on “East and West in Europe”. On May 9, 1600 people attended the conference entitled “The European society rediscovers its Christian values”. It was held at Palermo and promoted by the various Christian communities of “Together for Europe”. During their sixth edition of this event, they also presented projects and experiences; individuals and groups spoke about initiatives set up in the city to help people in need, such as: welcoming migrants, supporting the unemployed, visiting prisoners. They also spoke about choosing the road of lawfulness, working in addiction prevention programmes, especially against gambling, promoting active citizenship in risky neighbourhoods and awareness of ecological responsibility. The next event will take place in Ottmaring and Ausburg, Germany from 7 to 9 November, when the 20th anniversary of “Together for Europe” will be celebrated.
Patrizia Mazzola
May 31, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A commission has been set up to prepare for the 2020 Focolare General Assembly. Indications have been given by the President Maria Voce and Co-president Jesús Morán: guarantee maximum freedom of expression for all! The indications that the President Maria Voce gave to the Commission entrusted with the preparation for the coming Focolare Movement General Assembly were brief and clear: “I expect that during the preparatory process for the next General Assembly this commission will help all members of the Movement to express themselves freely, and that a synthesis of all the material received will be compiled so that no one feels excluded. This process is to be carried out without any pre-established interests”. This commission had its first meeting at Castel Gandolfo during the weekend of 24-26 May. While preparing for the General Assembly scheduled to take place in September 2020, the commission is expected to see to the organization and to the subject-matter that will be dealt with during the Assembly. Its 18 members, who represent the Movement’s geographical areas and different branches and expressions, come from the five continents and live their call to the Movement in various forms and vocations. “The 2020 Assembly will be of particular importance,” emphasized Co-President Jesús Morán during a meeting that the Commission had with the Movement’s General Council on Sunday, May 26. After two terms of six years each, the current President Maria Voce can no longer be re-elected. A change – according to Jesús Morán – that will involve an important step further for the whole Movement. “Certainly, some crucial issues will come up for discussion,” he said. “We would like to make sure that this takes place in full freedom”. In order to guarantee this freedom, Maria Voce did not want to give any indication about the subject-matter that the 2020 Assembly will have to deal with. When asked if, on the basis of her sensitivity for the whole Movement, she has any themes to suggest, she replied: “I don’t have any and I don’t want to have any, because I would not like to impose any condition on the Movement’s present requirements”. During the coming months, the preparatory commission will have to see to various matters. It has to start a process through which it can collect the most important issues that the Movement will have to address in the coming years and on which the Assembly needs to express itself. It needs to identify people who are suitable and willing to be candidates for the roles of President, Co-President and Councillors. It has to prepare and propose a balanced programme that will enable the Assembly to work seriously and responsibly. It needs to express as much as possible all the realities of the Focolare Movement, in its most diverse cultural expressions.
Joachim Schwind
May 30, 2019 | Non categorizzato
We asked young members of the Focolare Movement from different countries to give us their own take on Pope Francis’ recent apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit”. First we hear from Noemi Sanchez, protagonist at the preparatory meeting of the Synod of Catholic Bishops on Young People in 2018. 
Noemi (28) is from Paraguay, of Brazilian heritage, currently completing a research doctorate in Philosophy at the University of Perugia, Italy. In March 2018 she participated in the pre-synodal meeting convened by the Pope in order to listen to young people from all over the world and prepare the subsequent Synod on Youth with them and for them. The apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit” is one of the outcomes of this intergenerational process. Many young people have already read it and spread it among their own groups and peers. – In this document, the Pope repeatedly stresses the need for the Church to listen to young people. Has this been happening? I think the whole process around the Synod of October 2018 has been a clear example of the Church’s sincere desire to listen to us and welcome us wholeheartedly. There were 300 of us at the pre-Synod, from many different countries. We were free to say whatever we thought, as the Pope himself invited us to do. The “adults” listened to us and encouraged dialogue with us. What matters now is that this two-way experience between generations should take place in different environments, in parishes and Christian communities. – More than once, the Pope refers to the restlessness so characteristic of youth. Do you believe that it’s possible to listen to the voice of God in the midst of all the sounds, voices and digital stimuli which bombard us today? The Pope coins the phrase “flying on their two feet” because actually we young people are never really still, but always looking out for something. However, we also hit limits caused by our lack of experience, for example, or the fear of making a big mistake in any decisive choice. “High speed” is not enough, we also need meaning. Encouragement from being around the generations above us is always crucial to achieve this, and never more so than today with all its “false alarms”. Having experienced it for myself, I believe that the voice of God always makes itself heard through the “amplifiers” of love. – Why do you think it is so few young people today want to embark upon a serious journey of faith? What’s lacking and what are they searching for? I think there are many reasons for this: a growing disillusionment, ignorance or even laziness. Many of us don’t have a deep knowledge of the faith, and so we young people can become victims of the “rootless” society the Pope condemns all the time. At the same time, we feel a strong desire to get involved in social causes, there is a widespread sensitivity to the arts, as well as the desire to build lasting and meaningful relationships, to live authentically for something that gives meaning to our life, looking for authentic role models. I definitely think today’s youth are searching for God, it’s just they are not always aware of it. – In your opinion, what is the real contribution the Synod on Youth and this apostolic exhortation are having on the life of the Church, and in particular on the young people in the Church? This Synod has undoubtedly brought to light something new (a novum) in the history of the Church as regards methodology and its realistic approach. What came out most, I think, was inter-religious dialogue and how essential and enriching it is for the whole life of the Church. The Exhortation is a real treasure for all young people, not only Catholics. When I read it, rather than a formal document of the Church, it seemed more like a long letter from your grandfather, or from an old friend who loves you and really knows how to get through to you. Someone who can tell you what you need in this particular moment of your life in order not to fall away but how to get up, and keep on trying again and again. To keep on believing in beauty, in good, in love, in the truest nature of humanity – which is also divine. To believe in the possibility of reaching full happiness whatever sufferings and problems are part of life. To learn how to overcome them with courage and commitment
edited by Stefania Tanesini
May 27, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Risen Jesus invites to go beyond ourselves, our frail insecurities and our borders Passing the test You could hear the noise of a fight between two students down the hallway where, waiting to take a test, I was pacing back and forth nervously. I had the idea to go and calm them down, but I held back because I worried that I’d be called and marked as absent. Better to leave that to others… But the shouts kept getting louder, and I could not just be indifferent to my neighbour, which is something important to me. A moment later I ran down to separate the two and have them cool down. Coming back upstairs, after a while I heard my name called. In the study hall I answered all the questions and passed. A passed exam – and I hadn’t failed the other one, either. (Antonio, Italy) In the convent Following a few enthusiastic years after I entered the convent, a feeling that I was living a life without affection, almost without kindness, crept up within me. One day while I was recovering at the hospital, I was completely alone, while all the other sick people around me were surrounded by tenderness and affection. Later, stressed at having made a big mistake with my life, I centred myself in prayer and understood that God had entrusted me with a mission to be a source for others of that affection that I was looking for myself. When I returned, I was “healed” – I had the strength to begin again. And things were not like they had been before! (G. d. G., Slovenia) Technology My husband is interested in all the latest technology, but some devices leave me feeling hopeless, and I am slow to adapt to what’s new. Over time I began to feel inferior, and he would exacerbate it by pointing out what I didn’t understand and even making fun of me in front of our children. This ended with me throwing out my mobile phone and closing myself off in silence. It was my oldest son who explained to his father that something wasn’t right and, as an example, he reminded him that I had been to the doctor and he hadn’t even asked me how the visit had gone, adding, “If your tech distracts you so much, why did you want a family?” When my husband came to apologise shortly after, I told him we should be grateful for the children we have. (E. d. F., Slovakia) Divorce When our daughter confided to us that she was close to divorce, we once again decided to share her pain, doubts, problems, without judging. We would often call her on the phone so she wouldn’t feel alone. When she came to our house with her children for a few days, we welcomed her with extra affection. Having returned home after those few days, she called to say that she no longer wanted to go ahead with divorce proceedings and wanted to do her part to rebuild her marriage. (J. S., USA)
Chiara Favotti
May 26, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Suppose that just for once the media stopped being part of the problem and became part of the solution. This is a story by Austin Kellerman, news director at the local NBC TV station, and his team. They worked to lessen violence in their city. https://vimeo.com/333061434
May 23, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Interview with Dr. Pál Tóth: “Applying the principle of fraternity to Europe as a political category means building institutions which pursue collaboration in diversity, to achieve the common good”. European elections are underway for the representatives of the 27 member states of the European Union in the European Parliament. 400 million citizens have the right to vote between 23 and 26 May, considering two opposing ideas of Europe: pro-Europeanism and Euroscepticism. This polarization is identified by some as following the geographical East-West divide of the so-called “Old Continent”. Pál Tóth, originally from Hungary, cultural advisor on the Planning Committee of Together for Europe , a network of over 300 Christian communities and movements promoting a “culture of reciprocity” in the European context and beyond, gives his perspective. “It’s important to realise that as the European Union expands, whereas new member States may quite quickly embrace a market economy and democratic legal system, actually synchronizing all the very different cultural realities present in the Union is a much slower process. I use the word ‘synchronize’ and not simply redressing or adapting after the social and political conquests of the West (of Europe), because I’m personally convinced that East Europe possesses values which are the fruit of a long history of suffering and as such are of great value. We just have to think of the love for truth expressed by the Czech people, from Jan Jus to Vaclav Havel; or the small communities emerging within the “Church of silence” witnessing to the life of the Gospel; or the people who continued to fill the churches in Poland throughout the period of national secularization; or the Orthodox icons which give such unique access to the Christian mystery, especially potent in such an image-dominated era. As I see it, East Europe is not yet capable of expressing these values adequately. It continues to react impulsively to phenomena it identifies as stemming from a moral decline into decadence. But progress is not made by criticism alone; there needs to be a journey of growth together, a ‘synodal process’ – as Pope Francis would call it – involving welcoming, understanding, speaking with clarity but without being offensive, deconstructing our prejudices, and discernment as a community”. The Brexit issue poses an existential question to the remaining States of the European Union: is it better to face present and future challenges alone or in a cohesive unit? “I believe the radical transformation of the world in which we live places challenges before us which we simply cannot manage on a national level. German sociologist Ulrich Beck speaks of a metamorphosis of the world, which calls for a completely different way of thinking than before. Climate change, migration, organized crime, the ‘common evils’ of global capitalism, cannot be addressed effectively on a simply national level, but rather with the force of an integrated political approach.” Chiara Lubich and Igino Giordani, founder and co-founder of the Focolare Movement, were very clear on the idea that a united Europe should promote world peace. In the light of the charism of unity, how do you rate the chances of adopting fraternity as a political category? “Democracy in the modern world has developed as a competitive system, involving the distribution of power, a battle between different parties, a process of checks and balances, civil society curbing the excesses of public power. Applying the principle of fraternity as a political category means building institutions which pursue collaboration in diversity, to achieve the common good. Over the past two centuries, the principles of liberty and equality have been translated into legal and political categories. Now it’s time to work on the category of fraternity, which incorporates the values of reciprocity and mutual responsibility. On the political scene, alongside the political parties as agents of competition, we could see the institutions of civil society emerging to take on public roles. There are alternative models, and movements for spiritual and cultural renewal, such as the Focolare, could play a significant role in this process.” The Focolare’s commitment towards unity in Europe is evident in the Together for Europe project. Ilona Tóth, member of the project’s planning committee, describes how the initiative came about. “At the eve of the Third Millennium, founders and leaders of Christian communities and movements active in Europe (Chiara Lubich, Andrea Riccardi, Helmut Nicklas, Salvatore Martinez and others) pledged to place their charisms at the service of the continent, on a common foundation of mutual love. The aim was to invigorate Europe from a spiritual standpoint, based on Christian values, alongside the established geographical and economic perspectives.” What has been achieved so far? “The Together for Europe network is generating ‘leaven’ for people in Europe with a culture founded on Gospel-based fraternity. These gatherings throughout Europe help to demonstrate unity in diversity. In their own environments, the protagonists launch initiatives promoting peace, the family, protection of the environment, solidarity and a fairer economy etc. They are seeking ways to respond to the demands of a continent in crisis.”
Claudia Di Lorenzi
May 22, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Less than a century has passed since the end of World War II, yet it seems that today’s Europe has somewhat lost sight of its original challenge. The old continent was setting for two world wars, with millions of dead and many cities and communities destroyed, yet in the 1950s it launched a renaissance that could not even have been hoped for. The founding fathers of the present-day European Union saw beyond the special interests of each country and thought on a grander scale: a community of peoples who would be able to design an economic rebirth and future of peace. We talked with Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement, in an interview that took the form of nine questions. It was released in time for the European Mariapolis that will take place over the next months of July and August at Tonadico, in the region of Trent, Italy. The interview unfolded into a plain-spoken, frank conversation, taking on topics such as politics, youth, bearing witness as Christians today, the Europe we hope for, and what a European Mariapolis might mean. Diversity between various communities of peoples is valuable, affirmed Maria Voce, and there is no need to give in to superiority or nationalism. At the Mariapolis, diversity becomes a way for everyone to be enriched, becoming a moment in which everyone can show the wealth of their culture. “If everyone stretches themselves to do this,” she continues, “no one feels the need to assert their identity, because everyone’s identity is recognised, valued and enriched by unity.” And this is what the European Mariapolis can give and signify for those participating, fulfilling together a phrase that Chiara Lubich said back in 2004: “The highest dignity for humanity is not to feel like a cluster of peoples who are often at odds with each other, but being one people out of mutual love that is enriched by each person’s diversity, and as a result safeguarding the unity of the different identities.” Another topic that was covered was the role of young people in today’s society and their scarce participation in political life. Maria Voce does not doubt their abilities, and she values the witness of many young people who presently have an influence, for example, on environmental issues. The new generations are committed “to projects that look to the good of humanity, not just the immediacy of the passing day, for projects that require concrete action and that show an authentic life,” affirms Focolare’s president. The task for Christians, as well, is difficult enough, but they can spread values of solidarity, fraternity, love for the last and the least, for the poorest, by personally living a life that follows the light of the Gospel. The questions could not have overlooked her own meeting with the charism of unity, which happened in Rome during her university years and, as a result, her first experience of Mariapolis, which we discovered occurred in 1959 in the Dolomite valleys, where she got to know Chiara Lubich. Maria Voce herself is a witness to that wide variety of people who took a break each year in those enchanting places. They were attracted by being able to experience reciprocal love and fraternity first-hand, thus fulfilling Jesus’ prayer, “May all be one.” The final question drew out a hope and a wish from her. “My hopes for Europe are that it might discover its beauty and calling: peoples who are united, who are recognisable as themselves, yet who see in each other common principles and values. The history of people is also my history, the history of every European people is also my history. It’s part of my story and lives within my story.”
Patrizia Mazzola
May 20, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Risen Jesus wants us to have the experience of new life and peace with Him that we can then share with others. For others Ever since we were young, inspired by our Christian convictions, my husband and I have always tried to live for others. We come from poor families: my parents worked in mining while Ramon’s parents were farmers, and we are well aware of the hardships and needs that result from financial poverty. Our dream came true when we were asked if we would manage a fund for children in an adoption at a distance project. Thanks to the contributions we have received we have been able to follow 23 children and buy a piece of land where we have built a centre that can accommodate about twenty children from poor families, enabling their parents to go to work. There is also a small sewing workshop for mothers. Through many people’s generosity, we will be able to develop this activity for the children’s benefit and for their families. (R. J. – Bolivia) My fourth pregnancy In the ninth week of my fourth pregnancy I discovered I had contracted rubella. The days that followed were the most difficult days we had ever had to face as a married couple. This was a problem that was bigger than both of us. The doctors warned us that there was only a 5% chance of having a healthy baby. Today’s mentality would say that “rejecting” the pregnancy was the right solution. My husband left me free to choose, but I wanted him to tell me he accepted this new creature. This was in fact what I had already done the very first moment I became a mother. I don’t think I’ve ever prayed so intensely in my life. One day my husband said to me: “What if our son has not been affected or has only been slightly affected by the rubella?” It was the sign I had been waiting for. We embraced one another and from that moment on we felt more united. After six months, a handsome, healthy boy was born. (J.O. – Switzerland) Thieves in our home One day, when we returned to the house that we had built with great effort, we discovered that everything in our house had been stolen: the thieves had even taken the sink and the toilet. We couldn’t afford to replace what was missing with new items, so we started looking around second-hand shops when we suddenly recognized some of our things in one of the shops. The shopkeepers said they had bought them from some boys in the neighbourhood whom we knew well because they were our neighbours. We went to their house with the intention of reclaiming what was ours, but also to make the boys understand their mistake. When presented with the facts, they did not deny anything and we went with them to recover our property. On the way, we talked openly about values that give meaning to our lives, while they might have expected a harder reaction. Perhaps this is how we have made our small contribution to peace. (B.O. – Venezuela)
by Chiara Favotti
May 19, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Another day of global climate action is due to take place all over the world on 24 May. An idea which began with a sixteen year old Swedish girl, the protest coincides with the fourth anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Laudato Sí”. We asked the economist, Lorna Gold, a member of the Focolare Movement who works for “Trocaire”, the Irish Catholic Agency for Development and author of the book “Climate Generation: Awakening to our Children’s Future”, to tell us why we need to commit urgently as individuals and all together to protect the planet. You are a specialist in international development and have worked for almost two decades in academia and non-governmental organisations. Where does your commitment to the environment come from? My work for environmental justice began when I was young and I started campaigning to build a more united world with the young people of the Focolare Movement. I remember, in particular, meeting young people living in Amazonia in Brazil who told me how the forest was being destroyed. I was horrified and very quickly started to campaign in my school and community to protect the Amazon. I later studied and did a PhD on sustainable development, focussing on the Economy of Communion as an example of economics where people are focused not so much on consumerism as sharing and building the common good. In my work in “Trócaire” which works to support people living in poverty, I have seen that if we fail to protect the earth, we are also failing the poor – and all of us. Without protecting the basic conditions for life on which all of us depend, there is no way out of poverty. 
You have been supporting an initiative called “FridaysForFuture” promoted by Greta Thunberg which is being taken up by many young people and parents in Ireland. What do you do every Friday? I have been very concerned about climate change now and for many years have worked hard to influence policies of governments. I was really touched by Greta Thunberg. There have been others like her before but now, with the power of social media, there is a chance for the words of one child to become a “fire” which can move everyone. She was calling on everyone to go out and protest on Fridays, in particular on 15th December 2018. Initially, I didn’t think this was directed at me but eventually I did protest outside our Parliament. And I returned every Friday. The number of people joining us each week started growing and similar groups started springing up all over Ireland. By 15 March 2019 the whole country was mobilised: 15,000 children and adults came out onto the streets of Dublin and 40 locations around the country. How do we make commitment to the planet change our way of life? We have to protest and act. Anyone can start a Friday protest in their local community and log it on the Fridaysforfuture.org global map but you can also do a positive action like planting trees. This would generate a double impact – protest and plant! The global protests will take place regularly now, like this one. Together witth the Global Catholic Climate Movement, which Focolare is part of, we are calling on people of all faiths and communities to join the students that day. How much has your encounter with the charism of the Focolare influenced your work and life choices? 
My choices in life for sure have been influenced by the encounter with the Focolare. I have learned that Love conquers all. To solve climate change we need everyone to work together. We have technologies, ideas and even money. Yet all too often there is a lack of collaboration and genuine goodwill to work for the greater good. I believe the Focolare Movement has an important role to play in generating spaces where everyone else can be supported to work together in a spirit of genuine collaboration. Where did you get the idea of writing a book and why? What kind of commitment do you propose to protect the planet? The idea to write Climate Generation came from my deep concern that parents do not see what is happening to the climate or understand how it will affect their own children. I have worked on this issue for two decades. The situation is terrifying. Unless we change our societies radically in the next decade, our children will face runaway climate change of 4 or 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. Put simply, civilisation as we know it would not survive. The vast majority of species would be wiped out. Our children would face a burden which is impossible to bear. For me, as a mum, that is just not acceptable. There is huge interest in the book here in Ireland and it has just been published in the USA by New City Press. I am hopeful it will get published in other countries too. In terms of what we can do, I suggest three things: first we need to reconnect with the earth, God’s wonderful creation. We need to find ourselves again in the great communion-fellowship, not only with our fellow human beings but with the entire cosmos. Secondly, we need to change our own lifestyles to minimise our impact on the environment. This involves somewhat of an ‘ecological conversion’ as Pope Francis calls it. A good starting place is to do your own ecological footprint online – there are many tools available on the web – and you will see where you can make the most impact to reduce your footprint. None of the choices are easy – and some require some major changes. Finally, we need to join with others to build political pressure for the BIG changes we need. Individual actions are not enough. Divesting our public investments from fossil fuels is a key step in this direction. Campaigning is also essential until the pressure for change is so big, it is unstoppable.
Anna Lisa Innocenti
May 17, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Many Venezuelan migrants have arrived in Peru and other South American countries in search of a better life. Irene Indriago Castillo is a Venezuelan clinical cognitive psychologist who collaborates with the Focolare Movement in a variety of ways. She is currently working as an international organisational specialist in Peru. We have asked her about her personal and professional experience in this role. 
What makes the migrants suffer and what gives them hope? The people arriving in Peru have often used the cheapest form of transport possible to travel from Venezuela and have left behind everything they owned and the people they love. After the journey and the challenges of passing through migration controls, the experience which is sometimes called “from illusion to delusion” begins. These people have very little money but they want a better life for themselves: they want a home and a job so they can financially support family members who have remained in Venezuela. Unfortunately, these dreams soon begin to disappear and life becomes very difficult. They suffer a lot because they are separated from their relatives and probably receive very little news from them; the normal pattern of life is lost and they do not feel safe and secure anywhere. Sometimes they are worse off than they were in Venezuela. Adjustment is difficult and this can create difficulties between couples. These people are surrounded by a sea of uncertainty which saps away their spiritual and emotional energy. Only people with a very clear aim and a deep faith are able to overcome such challenges quickly. 
What are their greatest and most urgent needs? Their most immediate need is to earn enough to maintain themselves. They also need to work through the legal processes required to gain permanent residency and to acquire healthcare provision. They need to find ways to maintain contact with their families in Venezuela and they need help and support to handle their frustration, doubts and sadness. There are many children among the migrants: what traumas do they face and how can they be helped? Children and adolescents usually know that the reason why they are migrating is to find a better life, nonetheless, they are still emotionally shocked when it actually happens. They do not have the same capacity as adults to handle change. Through the workshops that I hold for them, I have come to realise that the decision to travel to Peru is always taken by the parents and the young people are never asked for their opinion. Although they understand that migration may lead to a better life, they do not all want to come. They see their parents less, they are anxious, they communicate less and don’t have friends. They do not all get a place at school in Peru and those who do are often called offensive names by the other students. Their sadness, anger and fear is often expressed in forms of behaviour that their parents don’t understand: they may be rebellious or cry a lot or become very isolated. It is really important to spend time with them, to find ways of communicating and to form groups with people of their own age so they feel supported Do you think there is any hope that these young people will have a better future? While there is life there is hope. We need to focus upon their resilience as a means of strengthening their mental and emotional capacity to deal with such great challenges in life. From a human rights perspective, the country in which they are now living must guarantee basic nourishment, healthcare and education. It is also essential to support them as they maintain communication with their family members and build new friendships. They also need opportunities to learn about their new environment and they have great need of spiritual support. These are all means to form people with sound values and a vision for the future and the capacity to make choices which will help them to fulfil their dreams.
Anna Lisa Innocenti
May 16, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Maria Voce and Jesús Morán continue their journey in Lebanon: the roots of a culture in a country with a very complex social, political and religious situation. The challenge of an authentic dialogue as a key to Lebanon’s rebirth. “It’s time to build a new nation”, said a large poster overlooking the motorway, but the speed of the Lebanese traffic did not give one the chance to find out who published this appeal and the intentions behind it. 
The members of a small Focolare delegation, headed by Maria Voce, its president and Jesús Morán, its co-president, were returning to Beirut from a trip to the north of the country. There, they visited the Valley of the Saints, the spiritual centre of the Maronite Church, the largest Christian denomination in country. This area is also well known for the Cedars of Lebanon, a small forest at an altitude of 2000 metres where one can still find species that probably date back to the time of King Solomon, that is 3000 years ago. The members of the delegation were so impressed by the richness they discovered during this visit, that on their return journey to Beirut they affirmed the great capacity of this people, who can boast of 7000 years of history. The Lebanese managed to survive at the crossroads of three continents and three great religions and to safeguard their creativity in extremely difficult conditions. As they approached nearer to the capital city, they thought more of the country’s present situation, that leaves very little space for hope. In Lebanon, there are currently 18 religious communities. The state and public administrations function on “emergency” management. Ethnic, religious and political groups, big families, economic interests and foreign powers are deeply intertwined. Wounds, caused by the so called “civil” war, that took place between 1975 and 1990, have not yet healed. One of the bishops they met during these days said: “We haven’t had the courage to face the harm we have caused to one another, so no one has ever asked for forgiveness”. Comments show the fear of another outbreak of war. 
“It is time to build a new nation”, said the poster on the motorway. This provoked a very spontaneous question: how can this ever happen? Jesús Morán answered this question during a round table conference held at the faculty of Philosophy at the Holy Spirit University (USEK) near Beirut. His answer could be summed up in one word: dialogue. The Co-President of the Focolare Movement insisted: “Dialogue is part of man’s nature. Through dialogue man becomes more man; he fulfills himself by giving himself to others. It is not so much a matter of words or thoughts but of giving oneself. This requires silence and listening; it requires risking one’s own identity, even one’s own cultural and ecclesial identity. However, one’s own identity is not lost; it is enriched through one’s openness to others”. 
So, does dialogue build a new nation? Is this another one of those alluring theories that the Lebanese people have come across in recent years? The 150 Christians and Muslims gathered at the so-called “Yellow House” on May 13 can answer these questions. Located on the former demarcation line between East and West Beirut, the Yellow House was rebuilt as a historical symbol to remind people of the trauma of war. The testimonies shared by those gathered there were moving and convincing. They spoke of their friendship that began during the war when they were simply made welcome by the Focolare. A Muslim woman described how small gestures of closeness and attention, reciprocal visits and unbiased relationships transformed friendship into a real family. “Dialogue is possible only between people who are true. And it is only love that makes us true”, Jesús Morán said in his speech. The Christian and Muslim friends and their experiences are a proof of this. May be it is just a small seed, that will grow slowly, just like the cedars of Lebanon. But it is certainly a seed with overwhelming strength, from which a new nation can be born.
Joachim Schwind
May 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Luigi Butori is an Italian focolarino living in Ho Chi Minh City. After over 20 years in Asia, he has seen its great beauty but also dramatic situations and contrasts. We went with him to see his work supporting and enabling the poorest of the poor, first in Thailand (see the CH Conference call of September 2015) and now in Vietnam. https://vimeo.com/333055587
May 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The focus for discussion was safeguarding the Amazon – not only one of the richest ecosystems on the planet but also a “forest of cultures.” Look at the Amazon with the eyes of those who live there, “make yourself one ” with the indigenous peoples who inhabit it in relationships of exchange and perfect balance. While the Earth is a mother who gives life, it is humanity’s role to care for it – to protect the wealth of its creatures, while being at the same time a creature within Creation. This is the over arching vision of both the promoters and the participants of the fourth edition of the Village for the Earth, which was held in Rome promoted by the Focolare Movement together with Earth Day Italy. From April 25 to 29, they addressed the theme of safeguarding the Amazon, which has an ecosystem among the richest on the planet and at the same time contains “forest of cultures.” From the park at Villa Borghese, the appeal was renewed for the protection of the environmental and ethnic-cultural biodiversity of the Amazon. Described as one of the Earth’s “lungs,” the Amazon has been exploited and looted for too long by multinationals and governments who see it only as a source of income. The extraction of oil, gas and precious materials, and the growing deforestation of areas destined for intensive agriculture or for the construction of dams and other infrastructure – reports Francesca Casella, Director of Survivor International Italy – is a “deliberate attack” that puts at risk the survival of the ecosystem and the tribes that inhabit it. These tribes are illegally evicted from their lands, deprived of sustenance or even exterminated. “We are hungry and thirsty for justice for all those who have died fighting for our people and for our lives,” Hamangaì, an indigenous student representative of the Patax people in the Brazilian state of Bahia, said. “We ask humanity to stop and listen to the original peoples, the bearers of thousands of years of wisdom.” This cry was answered by the hundreds of organizations, institutions and entities – civil and ecclesial – that took part in the event and agreed to work together for the protection of the Amazon, this land that constitutes an inestimable ecological heritage, but which also offers itself as a model for the coexistence of hundreds of populations with different cultures, ethnic groups and religions. It’s a model to be protected, therefore, according to the spirit indicated by the Lord to Moses in the Bible: “Take off your sandals, for the place on which you stand is holy ground” (Ex 3: 5). This was the biblical passage that Pope Francis quoted during his apostolic journey to the Amazon, in 2016, and that Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, proposed once again to the participants in the Village as the model of how our we should approach encounters with the indigenous inhabitants and their land. The bishops of the world will meet in October to discuss the theme of the Amazon, searching for “New paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology.” This is the title given to the coming Synod by the Pope. The cardinal added that the presence of the Church in the Amazon is significant, with “7 Episcopal Conferences, 106 bishops and thousands of priests and pastoral workers.” A special attention that comes from the awareness that everything is connected, as the Holy Father underlines in Laudato si ‘, where he invites everyone to an “ecological conversion”, or, in other words, to assume the interdependence of all Creation, of nature with humanity and among all peoples, and therefore to change lifestyles in order to overcome individualism and to adopt global solidarity as a criterion for action. In this sense we can look at the work of the Capuchin Friars of the Holy Land, who are present in 72 villages living alongside indigenous peoples. They are also engaged in the fight against prejudice towards the indigenous peoples. While the indigenous are seen, by some, as backward peoples, the Friars assert that there is much to be learnt from them. “We are slaves of time, while being with them you understand how sacred it is to be together, to listen to each other,” says Father Paolo Maria Braghini, a Capuchin missionary for 20 years in the Amazon. He adds, “St. Francis would be happy to live today in that part of the world.” According to Rafael Padilha, professor at the University of Vale do Itajaì, in Brazil, this Amazonian model in its biodiversity, can and must be replicated elsewhere – while adapted to individual realities. He also emphasized the importance of promoting an economy that puts the person at the centre, for example through projects like those inspired by the Economy of Communion born of the charism of the Focolare Movement. Father Laurent Mazas, Executive Director of the Cortile dei Gentili, stated that the challenge, even in the so-called developed countries .is to move from multiculturality to interculturality, “from duel to duet, respecting the treasures of each culture.” At the end of the talk, in the Magnolia Avenue of the Villa Borghese, as a testimony to the common commitment to safeguard the forest and the peoples that inhabit it, a holm oak tree was planted in some soil from the Amazon.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
May 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Pope Francis invites young economists from all over the world to join him in Assisi, Italy, from 26 -28 March 2020 to promote a common covenant which will bring about change in present day global economics and reanimate future thinking. “I am writing to invite you to take part in an initiative that is very close to my heart: an event that will allow me to encounter young men and women studying economics and interested in a different kind of economy: one that brings life not death, one that is inclusive and not exclusive, humane and not dehumanizing, one that cares for the environment and does not despoil it. This event will enable us to come together, to know one another and will promote a “covenant” that will change the current economic situation and reanimate economics in the future”. 
These are the opening lines of a message that Pope Francis sent on Saturday 11 May to young economists and entrepreneurs committed to bringing change to global economics. He invited them to contribute to planning an international event entitled “The Economy of Francis” that will take place in Assisi from 26-28 March 2020. His aim is to begin a process of global change whereby economics now and in the future are more just, inclusive and sustainable and do not leave anyone behind. The event is being organised by a Committee made up of representatives from the diocese of Assisi, the council of Assisi, the Serafico Institute of Assisi and the Economy of Communion. The Pope is inviting everyone to join him – people of all faiths and nationalities – to discuss together the most challenging issues the world is facing today including care of the environment and justice for those living in poverty. They are issues which demand courage and commitment in order to rethink the current economic paradigms. Professor Luigino Bruni, scientific director of the Committee, said, “Pope Francis’ invitation to young economists is a historic event because it draws together topics about which the Pope feels very strongly – his preference for young people and his concern to create a new type of economy. Acting on his behalf, we are inviting the economists and entrepreneurs who have shown the greatest sensitivity to and understanding of the Economy of Francis (St Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis) so that the young people who will come will hear the very best speakers and learn about the best economic practice in the world today. The word “Oikonomia” (economy) has a complex background; its Greek root refers to our house rules or how we behave in our homes but, at the same time, OIKOS also refers to the care of our common home. The Fathers of the Church understood Oikonomia from a theological perspective, as a category of universal salvation. Assisi as a setting is very important: it is a town with a message that speaks of a different type of economy. The programme will take place in different parts of the town and will focus upon the three main pillars of the Economy of Francis: young people, the environment and the poor.” The two- day programme, from 26 -28 March, will include a range of talks on topics such as the rights of future generations, respect for life, social equality, the dignity of workers and care for our planet. The Economy of Francis will also be expressed in workshops, artistic presentations, seminars and plenary sessions. Well known economists and experts in sustainable development and other disciplines will reflect and work alongside the young people present. Applications to attend can be made from June onwards. The full text of Pope Francis’ letter and further details of the event can be found on www.francescoeconomy.org
Stefania Tanesini
May 12, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The most recent event for dialogue between the youth of Buddhist movement Rissho Kosei-kai and young people from the Focolare deepened their awareness, friendship and common commitment for world peace. “All these years, wherever we’ve met, immediately the walls of our diversity vanished, and right away we found ourselves united with the same drive to want to work for world peace. This is also logical, since when our founder Nikkyo Niwano and Chiara Lubich originally met, right away they too found they were one, and for both it was a discovery to find someone seriously willing to work for peace in the world.” This is how Yoshie Nishi, vice director of the Rissho Kosei-kai’s youth branch, began to tell the story of symposia between young people from the Buddhist movement and the Focolare that began in 2008. 
This year’s edition, which happened at the Focolare’s international headquarters in Italy, had the theme “World peace starts from us: now is the time to step forward”. “The world is divided in many places,” explained the Rissho Kosei-kai youth. “Refugees, poverty, economic difficulties, etc, and not just at a national level, but throughout the small world where we live. On one hand, with the spread of the internet, you can create close links with the entire world, but on the other hand, poor relationships exist where conversations with next-door neighbours never happen.” There were many moments to share everyday experiences of peace: changes of lifestyle and actions that involve others and change reality positively. “We want to move forward and always look to each other and the challenges we see in the world,” said Rita and Henrique of the Focolare to their Japanese friends, “contributing to reaching a world that is more united, fraternal, where we can have more peace. But it is a peace that does not exclude people who are outcast, but that makes other people’s needs our own in order to one day arrive at the goal of ‘No one in need.’ This is how the catchphrase that young people in the Focolare have chosen this year reads for the Week of World Unity and for the course Pathways for a United World.” There was also real action in the symposium schedule: preparing and distributing hot meals at Rome’s Ostiense Station together with the RomAmoR ONLUS Association, which helps the homeless, elderly and immigrants. The Japanese delegation then participated in an audience with Pope Francis and experienced a day of sharing and in-depth study at the international centre of Loppiano, with young people at the school of formation and Sophia University Institute.
Paola Pepe
May 12, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare president and co-president returned to Lebanon where they celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Movement with the community and various civil and religious leaders. It sometimes happens that the great currents of history are concentrated in the small history of an individual. This happened on Saturday, May 11, during the meeting of the members of the Focolare movement in Lebanon, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the Movement in the Land of the Cedars. In front of the 450 who were present, the presenters had just retraced some of the main stages of those 50 years, when one of them announced: “In the war from 1975 to 1990 my brother died. I was one of those who had a weapon in his hand. Then in 1993 I met the Focolare and the spirituality of unity changed my life.” These few words are a concentration of reality: there is the richness and beauty of Lebanon, the gateway to the Middle East, where three continents and three great religions meet. They say it’s a country that’s been privileged by history. That it lives out the continuous challenge of fraternal coexistence among peoples, religions, Christian rites and denominations. It is referred to as a nation that never gives up and that always finds new resources to start again. This presenter’s announcement expressed the drama and the trauma of a war that lasted 16 years, a war whose origins and roots have never really been addressed. Hidden within this one individual’s story is the seed sown by the first men and women members of the Focolare who arrived in Beirut in 1969. Their witness of a life based on love has not only survived the war but it is manifested in the various expressions of the Movement and in the many ecclesial and social activities that are presented on this day of celebration. 
Maria Voce and Jesús Morán, president and co-president of the Focolare, who came to celebrate with the Lebanese community, were not satisfied with a jubilee that started with the past and arrived at the present. In their answers to questions, they challenged the Lebanese Focolare community to look to the future and to never tire of announcing the Gospel in the style that’s typical of the charism of unity – which means, like Christ, to make themselves one with everyone. They encouraged them not to avoid the differences and conflicts that could challenge their own cultural classifications, but to reach a new evangelical mentality. They encouraged them not to live a superficial witness to ecumenism, but to live a true unity in the diversity of rites and denominations and before ecclesial authorities. They asked them to live inter religious dialogue – especially with Muslims – the way that Chiara Lubich lived it. In this way the prophecy inherent within inter religious dialogue would become manifest. Maria Voce summarized all these challenges in her greeting after the Mass on Sunday, May 12th, the official act with which the fiftieth was celebrated. In the Resurrection Cathedral at Antélias near Beirut, Maria Voce expressed the wish that Lebanon’s people could withstand any fragmentation. This way Lebanon could be a living ‘message’ of coexistence and fraternity throughout the world. This is the special characteristic of the Lebanese people that Pope John Paul II perceived in the 1980s. He saw that in Lebanon cultural and spiritual diversity could be found in the journeys of individuals and of peoples. Maria Voce repeated the words of the Pope, who is now a saint: “Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message of freedom and an example of pluralism for the East and the West.” (1) The 50 years of the Focolare in this country show that the spirituality of unity has the capacity to keep this message alive and up to date.
Joachim Schwind
(1) John Paul II., Apostolic Letter to all the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the situation in Lebanon, 7 September 1989.
May 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Movement has been in Bulgaria since the 1970s and the community there actively collaborated in various ways during the Papal visit: in the choir, volunteering during the event, in the liturgy and by giving interviews. The two days of the Papal visit went by in a flash, generating enormous interest not only among Catholics, who are only 0.6% of the Bulgarian population, but in all parts of society. Even during the preparations, the media gave great prominence to the event, creating a great sense of expectation in public opinion. During the visit, the main television stations in the country followed everything at it happened. The meeting with His Holiness Patriarch Neophyte of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church was very cordial and the Patriarch welcomed the Pope warmly. 
A large number of people took part in the events. The liturgy took place in the square where rallies used to be held by a regime that had harshly persecuted the Church. In fact, the sacristy was in the former Party Headquarters! Fifteen thousand people gathered there, and in other parts of the city they watched the event on large screens, which was unusual for Bulgaria as it is an overwhelmingly Orthodox country. The Pope managed to speak to the hearts of the Bulgarian people, despite the language problems, but through what he did, his very being and his extraordinary capacity to communicate with everyone. An example of this occurred the next day, in Rakovski, a small town which is predominantly Catholic. During the Mass, the Pope, in a surprise change of programme, gave First Communion to all 245 children who were to receive it, not just the 10 who had been chosen. He engaged in a spontaneous dialogue with them, underlining the main points of the faith and the sacredness of what was happening. Then, in the afternoon, at the meeting with the Catholic community, where there were many spontaneous gestures and greetings, Pope Francis delighted the 700 people present in a small church. After experiences from a nun, a priest, a family and the young people, the Pope gave his talk, interrupting it several times to speak off-the-cuff, generating a spontaneous and lively reaction on the part of those present. The Focolare contributed in various ways, wherever they were asked; in the choir, in the distribution of invitations in different areas, volunteering during the events, in the liturgy, giving interviews etc. To sustain the Pope during his visit, they gave him a box of Argentinian tea (mate). The Movement arrived in Bulgaria in the 1970’s. It was the only lay group in the country during the Communist years and the most rooted in the local Church. The women’s Focolare has been in Sofia since 1991 and the Movement’s community is now in 9 cities in the country, comprising Catholics, Orthodox and people without particularly religious beliefs. We have strong bonds of friendship with Orthodox Church leaders at various levels. This visit, amongst other things, has given us the opportunity to deepen relationships built over time, meet new people and renew old friendships.
Majda Šušteršič
May 10, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Pope has signed new norms for the whole Church against those who abuse or cover up. The Focolare, too, has drawn up guidelines and procedures, outlined by Co-President Jesús Morán in a report presented during the recent Focolare “Collegamento” Conference Call. Dated 7 May, entitled Vos estis lux mundi – You are the light of the world – the document is a motu proprio, namely an instrument used when a Pope wishes personally to introduce something new or give new instructions to the faithful. This is Pope Francis’ latest action towards combating abuse against minors and vulnerable people within the Church. It is a vital step along this road. A range of legislative measures regarding the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State were announced at the end of the February Summit in the Vatican on the Protection of Minors. Now this latest normative document is directed at the whole Church. It establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence. It ensures bishops and religious superiors are held accountable for their actions. It includes the obligation for clerics and religious to report abuse. It encourages the laity to report abuse and violence to the competent ecclesiastical authorities and at the same time it mandates that each diocese must have a system in place to allow the public accessible ways to submit reports of abuse. The repercussions of this move reach beyond the Church into civil life because, as is well known, the scandal of abuse, both in the past and more recent times, touches the very roots of society, within family, school and sporting environments etc. The document deals with such a grievous issue, yet the Pope has chosen to open it with a phrase from Matthew’s Gospel which expresses hope and light, affirming: “Our Lord Jesus Christ calls every believer to be a shining example of virtue, integrity and holiness”. These virtues are to be lived by all people, and most certainly by those who by embracing the life of consecration to God, should never betray anyone’s trust, should never betray a child. As already reported, the Focolare Movement, with great suffering, has found itself not to be immune from this scandal. In a letter dated 26 March 2019, Focolare President Maria Voce and Co-President Jesús Morán communicated to all members of the Movement throughout the world the Focolare’s commitment to facing this issue. “It deeply pains us – they wrote – to recognise that, also in our own large family of the Focolare, some cases of abuse regarding minors (about 20) caused by people who belong to the Movement or by people who have taken part in meetings organised by us, have occurred. Most of these occurred in the remote past (over 20 years ago), but unfortunately some have occurred in the recent past. Consecrated members of the Movement were also involved in these”. They reiterate the Movement’s “zero tolerance” of any form of violence or abuse, and the duty of every Focolare member to take personal responsibility regarding protection from any form of mistreatment, bullying or cyber-bullying, paying particular attention to minors and vulnerable adults. They urge members to report every suspicion of abuse or violence to the local commissions and the Central Commission for the Wellbeing and Protection of Minors, established in 2015 by the Focolare’s International Centre. They unequivocally warn against the temptation not to report cases “for the good of the Movement, to avoid scandal or protect someone’s good name”. In a recent interview for the Focolare’s international Conference Call, the Co-President emphasized the Movement’s full adherence to the Church’s current approach. Dr Morán explains, “we felt we needed to acknowledge publically the fact that we too have been touched by this tragedy, and so we’re working for the victims to find justice, which also involves embarking on a process of accompanying at a general and practical level”. He recognises this as a great purification for the Movement and points out that our commitment to the protection of minors cannot be confined to Focolare circles. “With this letter we have tried to tell all the members of the Movement that it is important to engage at all levels so that this tragedy, this immense pain, which is a social and moral tragedy, should end as soon as possible and there be no more of these cases of abuse”. The Movement’s commitment is now focussed on prevention and formation of all its members, in particular those involved in children’s activities. Essential to this is collaboration with all the Movement’s agencies working with minors, including the Gen 3 and Gen 4 centres and the New Families Movement. Watch the Conference Call report: Protection of minors: transparency, prevention, training https://vimeo.com/333055363
May 9, 2019 | Non categorizzato
May 10th 2018 will remain a historic date for the first Focolare little town as well as for the whole of the Movement. “I want to look to the horizon and invite you to look together with me, to look with trusting faithfulness and generous creativity to the future that has already begun today. The story of Loppiano is only at the beginning. You are at the beginning.” This is how, a year ago, Pope Francis spoke to the inhabitants of Loppiano. More than 6,000 people were present during his visit, the first of a Pope to a little Focolare town. It was a day that marked both the present and the future. In his expansive speech the Pope addressed both the pioneers of Loppiano as well as the youngest present and he encouraged them all to go ahead along the path they have taken by continuing to make Loppiano the place where “everyone feels at home” and in which “there are no borders.” Pope Francis identified in the charism of unity “a providential stimulus” and “powerful help” to live “the evangelical mysticism of “us”, that is, to walk together in the history of the men and women of our time as “one heart and one soul” (see Acts 4:32), discovering and loving each other concretely as “members of one of another “(see Rom 12: 5). “It is not only a spiritual fact,” Pope Francis explained, “ but a concrete reality with tremendous consequences – if we live it and if we proclaim it with authenticity and courage – on social, cultural, political and economic levels… Jesus has redeemed us not only as individuals, but also in our social relationships. (see the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 178). “Taking this seriously means shaping a new face of human cities according to God’s design of love. Loppiano is called to this. And you can try, with trust and realism, to always become better and better. This is fundamental and the way to do this is to always start again.” The Pope’s words in their strength and depth have been like a treasure trove to be studied in these past months by members of the Focolare in Loppiano and beyond, to try to understand them thoroughly and bring them to life. But what has changed in Loppiano in these 356 days since that visit? Maria Voce and Jesús Morán, President and Co-President of the Focolare, who recently spent a few days at Loppiano to mark this anniversary, answered this question. As Maria Voce said,”We found it very beautiful. I had the impression of an air of resurrection, I felt that there was a new life that manifested itself in all that was presented to us, with more unity, and with truer, simpler and more direct relationships among everyone.” A little town that was renewed by the visit of the Pope “…who fully understood the point where Loppiano was – and the steps it had to take, and then he helped Loppiano to take them.” As Jesús Morán observed, “You can sense that the Pope has been here, it’s very clear, and it was a fundamental visit which marks the history of Loppiano. We know that the Pope’s words have a grace. They will be fundamental to our thinking about Loppiano today and tomorrow”. The video-summary of Pope Francis’ visit to Loppiano a year ago: https://vimeo.com/275691046
May 9, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Founder of L’Arche, Jean Vanier, true apostle of “the least”, has died. The Focolare joins in remembering him with immense gratitude. We recall him together with Chiara and other founders of movements and new communities in St Peter’s Square for the historic meeting of Pentecost 1998. The date 30th May 1998 resounds in many hearts as “the meeting of Pentecost”. On that occasion, Pope John Paul II called all the ecclesial movements and new communities together in St Peter’s Square for the first time ever. Four of the founders were invited to speak in front of the Pope: Chiara Lubich, Kiko Arguello, Don Luigi Giussani, and Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche community, who left us on 7 May, at 90 years of age. His great work at the service of people with disabilities and those often considered the “least” in society, began in 1964 and led to the creation of over 150 centres around the world. The Focolare also enjoyed his wonderful capacity for friendship, and appreciates the strong support he gave through his faithful presence at all “Together for Europe” (link) events. Jean Vanier’s words to Pope John Paul II in St Peter’s Square conveyed his passion for the evangelical goal of unity. “Welcoming people with disabilities from different Christian traditions, welcoming Muslims, Jews and Hindus too, we have discovered how much the poor can unite us. Men and women belonging to different churches and different religions have helped us discover the mystery of our common humanity. We discover how, if we welcome a poor person, they lead us to the God of love, they lead us to Jesus”. In November 2013, at Montmartre in France, Jean Vanier addressed a meeting of friends of “Together for Europe”. The main theme of the event was the contribution Christian communities and movements can offer to eliminate poverty and marginalization in Europe. Jean Vanier began by quoting the Gospel: “Jesus said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a marriage feast’ where everyone was too busy to attend. So the king sent his servants into the byways to seek out the lame and the helpless. And this is what I’ve tried to live all my life”. He dedicated himself particularly to those with intellectual disabilities, whom he defined as “the most oppressed people”. “They have changed me,” he declared, “I have seen that the Kingdom of God is theirs”. We express our condolences to his spiritual family throughout the world, and think of the great welcome that surely awaited him in heaven from the host of “the least” he had welcomed into his home and heart while on this earth.
Stefania Tanesini
May 8, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare Community is present even in the small Balkan republic visited by Pope Francis from 5 to 7 May. Mato Mikulec spoke to us about the Community’s contribution towards this event. 
“Dialogue has always been one of this country’s main characteristics, and in the Focolare Community one comes across both Christian (Catholics and Orthodox) and Muslim members”. Mato Mikulec, one of the first Focolare members in Skopje, was born in Croatia, but he moved to Macedonia 30 years ago because of work. He lived the Pope’s visit with anxiety and great joy. He said: “As Francis has peripheries so much at heart, he came to support and encourage this country’s small Catholic community; yet he did not come only for this. He considers all men to be precious and he came as everyone’s friend. The Pope really appreciates the spirit of tollerance and of peaceful coexistence that mark this people”. Mato now considers Macedonia as his homeland; the majority of the population (64%) is Macedonian, then there are also Albanians (25%) and Turks (4%); the rest come from other different countries. The two main religions are Christianity and Islam; 99% of the Christians belong to the Orthodox Church while the remaining 1% are Catholics that belong to the Western and Eastern rites. History tells us that Macedonia’s Christian tradition dates back to the time of the Apostle Paul. Later there were other evangelizers who contributed towards the spread of Christianity; among these, the two brothers, Cyril and Methodius who worked among the Slavs during the ninth century. There were many others who influenced the religious and cultural development of the Slavic peoples, but the Balkan region also experienced the painful division between Churches and the powerful dominion of rulers, such as the Ottomon rule that lasted for more than 500 years. Mato continued:“But the people still managed to preserve certain values, such as religiousness, openness to diversity and a keen aspiration to communion. So it is not surprising that such a beautiful flower as Mother Theresa bloomed in this country”. He related that it was Kiro Stojanov, the local Bishop and state authorities who invited Pope Francis to visit Macedonia, while he explained: “Here, we have a very beautiful tradition; every year a State delegation goes to Rome to visit St Cyril’s tomb which lies at St. Celement Basilica. Representatives of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches also join this delegation, and an audience with the Holy Father is included in the programme. It was on this occasion that the Pope was invited to visit us”. He also spoke to us about the first years of the Focolare Movement in Macedonia and Kosovo. He said that the first contacts started in the 70’s when Antonio Petrilli, one of the first focolarini went there to visit Luka Cirimotić, a friend of his who was a priest. In the 80’s a family from Zagreb went to settle in Skopje and thus the first community started to grow; in it there were youths and adults, families and religious, members of different Churches and religions and also persons with no particular religious conviction. It was thanks to Bishop Kiro Stojanov’s commitment, that the female Focolare in Skopje was set up in 2006. The opening of this focolare was the last one to have Chiara Lubich’s personal approval before she passed away. Mato continued: “We realize that diversity is not an obstacle to sincere communion and fraternity, and that these become more visible and more appreciated even by leaders of various religious communities. For us, Focolare members, the Pope’s visit was a moment of special joy. We think that the Pope felt the love and communion among us, while he conveyed the new face and embrace of a Church where even our community has its place”.
Stefania Tanesini
May 8, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Maria Voce to the young Syrians: “Do not let your values be stolen from you. Join all the young people who want a better world. The world is waiting for you.” “Thank you for the hope and the vitality you have given us”. These are the words that Maria Voce addressed to the Focolare communities of Syria through a video message at the end of her visit to Syria from the 1st to the 8th of May. These were intense days in which the Focolare president, together with the co-president, Jesús Morán, visited the cities of Homs, Kafarbo, Seydnaya and Damascus. They met communities, people engaged in parishes or in social works, families, children, young people, priests and religious. They were received by the bishops and by the Apostolic Nuncio – Cardinal Mario Zenari. They experienced first-hand the terrible wounds that the war has left on the structures and on the souls of the Syrian people – traumas and tragedies of all kinds. They got to know the inside story of the difficult, almost desperate situation of a country that had become the puppet of numerous external forces – a country which suffered a heavy economic war, even before the military conflict was over. So how is it possible that Maria Voce ended this visit by thanking the Syrian people for the hope and strength received from them? One of the keys to understanding this is undoubtedly the last stage of the visit. At the invitation of the Melkite Patriarch, Monsignor Youssef Absi, 230 young people -Catholics and those from several other Churches – met on Monday 6 May at the Greek Catholic Cathedral in Damascus. On this occasion while responding to a few questions, Maria Voce made a strong appeal to the Syrian youth: “Do not let your values be stolen from you. Join all the young people who want a better world. The world is waiting for you.” Later the co-president, Jesús Morán, explained the profound motivation of these words: “These young people have experienced that everything collapses; yet they have preserved a deep thirst for God and a true sense of community. Perhaps they are not completely aware of it, but they are in an ideal spiritual situation, from which great things can grow.” What needs to be done, then, to create the conditions in which these seeds of hope can grow and flourish in Syria? Anyone who knows at least a little about the past and recent history of this country, might suggest a double solution for leaving Syria and the Syrians in peace. The first part of the solution would be for all the conflict to cease. The second part of the solution would be for all the great powers of the Middle East and of all the other parts of the world that want to exploit Syria, to leave the country to find its own way. These Syrian people, who, according to Maria Voce, have such strength and such tenderness, are more than capable of taking their destiny into their own hands.
Joachim Schwind
May 6, 2019 | Non categorizzato
With the first of May, United World Week (UWW) took off. Many activities already took place on every latitude to accomplish “No One in need,” the title given to this year’s UWW. Imagine looking down on Earth wearing special glasses, capable of highlighting the degree of fraternity experienced in the world among human beings. Certainly, from May 1st to 7th, we would notice an unusual peak, a great fermentation on every latitude of the planet. In fact, “No One in Need“, the 2019 United World Week has already begun and many teens, young people, adults, entire communities are in action, to bear witness that a united world is possible! Let’s start with South America. In Palmas, Brazil, on May 1st, a group of young people invited their friends and all those who wanted to participate, to live for unity and peace. How? By helping a family in economic difficulty with a donation of one kilogram of food. The food collection took place at Cesamar Park, animated by games and music. On the same day, in Loppiano (one of the many international little towns of the Focolare), in the province of Florence, 1400 teens, young people and families participated in the traditional May Day event, this year entitled “Good Vibes.” All were invited to initiate and become leaders of processes of change, overcoming individualism and loneliness with the culture of giving and overcoming prejudice and fear of “the different” with acceptance and fraternity. Proceeding eastward, again on May 1st, in Bandra, India, at Mount Mary Church, the Youth for a United World of that city invited the entire community to a moment of prayer for Sri-Lanka, victim of recent acts of violence, and to commit to peace. Also in India, but in Mumbai, from the 2nd to the 4th of May, a school called “#NoOneInNeed” was held, to discover one’s own needs and those of others, to take on a new life style based on the culture of giving. During the school, many topics were addressed: communication, relational needs, ecology, and peace. There were also various workshops including one work session dedicated to IntotheLABel – the “responsible consumer” laboratory. Among the participants were young people from various parts of India, Nepal and Sri-Lanka. On the island of Cebu, Philippines, on the evening of May 1st, the Youth for a United World launched the #NoOneInNeed campaign at the Bukas Palad Cebu Foundation, Inc. The invitation published on social media was nothing short of original: “Start by bringing your excess valuables or things you no longer use, to share!” Many have already responded to their appeal, like Fred, a player of “Pokemon Go” and a friend of some Youth for a United World who are passionate about the same game. On the evening of May 1st, he brought with him 85 items of clothing that he had worn less than twice and which he no longer considers “his” but of those who need it most. n short, the United World Week consisting of big events and personal gestures, has come alive! And this weekend, it will continue with the race that aims to unite the world – Run4unity (Sunday, May 5th) – also animated by the slogan “No One In Need.” Many cities have already or will be taking part in it. For the third consecutive year, teens, young people and adults will be running on both sides of the border between Mexico and the United States, right next to the wall, in the presence of the mayors of both cities (Mexicali and Calexico). Guests of the Branice Psychiatric Hospital in Poland will also participate in Run4Unity (R4U) for the third time. They wrote, “We are a psychiatric hospital with a century-old tradition. In our hospital we take care of over 500 people with mental illness. Last year around 300 took part in RUN4UNITY and we were the only representatives from Poland.” In New Caledonia and also in Christchurch, New Zealand, the city that suffered two terrorist attacks on two mosques last March, the race will involve young people of different religions. In Italy, R4U will take place in Pisa, Rome, Matera, Ischia, Turin, Foggia, Milan, Abbiategrasso and Perugia, organized by the Maria Montessori International High School together with the Amatori Nuoto cooperative, involving some associations for children with disabilities. Among the various activities, there will also be a hand ball game on wheelchairs, to create an integration experience through sport. To discover other events, just visit the site: Run4unity. Have a great United World Week! And remember to share your stories with the hashtag #NoOneInNeed.
Tamara Pastorelli
Source: United World Project
May 6, 2019 | Non categorizzato
On Saturday May 4th the president and co-president of the Focolare met with the Syrian community of the movement. The sharing of their testimonies conveyed their pain and their sense of loss and mourning, but also their wealth of culture and traditions – and their desire to live and to rebuild their homeland. From the very beginning, Saturday 4 May promised to be very intense. Three hundred members of the Syrian Focolare community met at the monastery of St Ephrem the Syrian in Sednaya, about 40 kilometres north of Damascus. The day began with the story of the movement, told with the same words that Chiara Lubich used so many times – words that are known, almost by heart, by members of the Focolare communities around the world: “It was during the war and everything was collapsing…” But what made today’s telling of the story different is that after retelling each episode of Chiara’s life, one of the Syrians illustrated it with their own recent experience in this tormented land. There were those who, on returning to their city, could no longer find their houses, those who had lost their jobs, or their physical or mental health. There were those who felt they had seen their futures, or their faith in God or in relationships, stolen from them. Many have lost loved ones. Up to this moment there has been no compensation for many of these losses. “We are dead inside,” says one of them, encapsulating the mood of so many, perhaps of all who are present. 
Yet on the background of the stage, in Arabic, we read “And we have believed in love,” – the phrase that Chiara Lubich and her companions wanted to see written on their graves – ever since those early days when the movement was taking its first steps, in the middle of the Second World War. The final song that expressed the famous “Art of Loving,” which has been explained so many times by Chiara Lubich, underlined this belief in love. It’s the art of loving everyone, of being the first to love, of seeing Jesus in every neighbour, of loving our enemies. Those who were present stood up, began to dance and to express with all their senses a common desire, to turn the page and to make a new start. Right before our eyes we saw once again the two realities that distinguish this journey of the delegation of the International Centre of the Focolare to Syria: on the one hand the encounter with the peoples’ pain: the wounds, the traumas, the despair, the concern for the future, especially for their own children; and, on the other hand, the desire to continue to hope, to take up their lives again with freedom. Both realities are supported by a spirituality centred on a faith that can say: we believed in love. 
This life that unfolds between despair and hope, between death and resurrection, also resounded in the brief intervention given by the apostolic nuncio in Syria, Cardinal Mario Zennari and in the answers of Maria Voce and Jesús Morán. Cardinal Zennari invited those present to welcome the message from 800 years ago, that St. Francis heard addressed to him by the Crucifix – “repair the Church.” The Cardinal added,” But here, it is not just a question of repairing the Church, but of repairing your homeland. It is a question of building a new Syria.” Jesús Morán, co-president of the Focolare, presented to the Syrian community of the movement the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who in the greatest desperation “believed in the impossible” and that is, in the strength of the resurrection. But what should they do today in Syria: stay or leave? Maria Voce addressed this fundamental question asked by so many. She pointed out that beyond this choice, which is certainly not easy, there is the issue of living the present moment. She invited those present to seize the moment, to focus on whatever in the present moment seems to be “the will of God,” and then “to live it with authenticity and consistency – even if God occasionally allows us to continue living in mystery.” The day ended with a big celebration. Many different regions were represented and there were large numbers of children and young people present. This might have aroused some confusion in those who, perhaps, had come there thinking they would be meeting people of great poverty. Perhaps there is very little material well-being among them, but there is also a great wealth of life, of traditions, of customs, of dances, of songs, of expressions of joy and of the desire to live. How beautiful these people are, who, despite everything, believe in love!
Joachim Schwind
